Lalaine is a sophomore psychology major here to celebrate the diverse tapestry of traditions that makes more than just a university. From the exhilarating rush of Frontier Fiesta to the and celebrations of homecoming. Each tradition at carries with it a unique story. It’s a living, breathing testament to the power of shared experience and collective pride. As the alma mater says, true will ever be. Take it away, Lalaine.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, y’all. My story starts in a small border town of Laredo, Texas. I always knew that I wanted to go to a college outside of my hometown. Now that I’m here at the University of Houston, it is everything that I thought it’d be. Since my time at UH, I have been exposed to a countless number of opportunities. Becoming a campus tour guide opened up my perspectives about the university and I learned more about our campus traditions, including Cougar Red Friday, rubbing the Cougar pop for good luck and our Cougar hand sign. Students also get free admission to the Houston Zoo where our live Cougar mascot shots of the seventh blesses your class ring before commencement. And don’t forget Frontier Fiesta, a student run tradition dating back to 1939. As our centennial approaches, I love showcasing my Cougar pride through and through whether that be on a tour or proudly wearing my scarlet red on a Cougar Red Friday. Not only is rich in our campus culture, but it is also rich in its history. There are generations of Cougs that have established careers and contribute to the success of UH and are always willing to help our future Cougs reach their goals and succeed. Being a Coug goes beyond four years. The past two years for me have been nothing but a dream. No matter what you wanna do with your future, UH is the perfect place to help you achieve your goals. The University of Houston is the launchpad for my dreams and I’m so excited to see where this journey will take me. That’s all for me. Take it away, Alex.
– Thanks, Lalaine. In our short time here, we’ve seen the Pride alumni have in Houston. With over 300,000 alumni, you can’t go anywhere without seeing former Cougs wearing Cougar Red on Friday. Thanks again.
Jonathan is a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering here to tell us about all of the innovative academic offerings that give students a unique learning experience across 16 academic colleges. As a tier one public research institution, innovation is infused into every part of UH, from the nation’s number one ranked entrepreneurship program to a hospitality program with the only working hotel in the country managed by students, there is something for everyone at UH. Take it away, Jonathan.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a first generation college student, the college search was stressful. However, I knew I wanted to study engineering at an institution with a diverse student body and rich academic course offerings and the University of Houston was the perfect match. One of the pivotal experiences at UH was my involvement in the honors college. As a freshman, I met my closest friends and faculty mentors through the college where I was first introduced to research through the Houston Early research experience and eventually presented my research at Undergraduate Research Day. At UH, I have access to valuable resources for undergraduate research where I currently work as a research assistant on projects in robotics and artificial intelligence directly applying my knowledge from my courses in engineering. Getting into leadership positions at student organizations like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Cougar AI also greatly complimented my academics and connected me to the community. I came from a family where we didn’t have a roadmap for success in higher education. However, with practical engineering courses and innovative activities on campus for students, I felt right at home at UH. The impact of on my personal and academic development has been profound. I’m surrounded by mentors and peers Who continually push me towards excellence. Not only is this my experience in the honors college, but many students share this mutual sentiment about our top ranked programs in business, computer science and nursing. My time at UH has inspired me to pursue a PhD in electrical engineering, focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence. This summer, I’m excited to participate in a research experience for undergraduates at the Texas Advanced Computing Center in Austin, taking a key step toward my future in AI research. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Jonathan. The honors college sounds like an amazing opportunity and offers so much more than just classroom learning. Thank you for sharing your story.
Let’s hear from Alexander, a senior majoring in history. He’s here to show us what it’s like to live on this beautiful campus. 8,000 students spread over nine residence halls living on campus at UH, making it one of the largest resident communities in Texas. Take it away, Alexander.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, y’all. Before I came to the University of Houston, I knew I wanted to be a part of Greek life. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Now, almost two years later, I’m the intro fraternity president. Greek Life at U of H has made my college experience truly unforgettable by providing a strong sense of community, lifelong friendships and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. My brothers and I take advantage of so many of the cool amenities on campus such as the REC or the Student Center, and we’re always down to grab a good bite to eat at Cougar Woods or order food straight to our doors through the Starship Robots. Our close-knit Greek community can always be seen on campus showcasing our letters, especially at events like Homecoming or Frontier Fiesta. UH is equivalent of Houston Rodeo. Through my Greek life experience, I’ve been able to really plug into campus life. UH students are able to take full advantage of campus life from living on campus. Many of my friends live in housing facilities such as the Quad or Bayou Oaks. Whether you’re living on campus or commute to campus, you can always enjoy a barista crafted beverage Jack Cougar ground, drive a bite to eat with friends at the RAD and then swing over to the fountains to lounge under one of our majestic oaks. What comes next? Well, a bunch of stuff. UHs’ Greek community is constantly growing and always planning our next events, but I look forward to what the future will bring. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Alexander. I’ll have to stop by one of those dining halls or go grab a coffee over at Cougar Grounds after this. That was awesome. Thanks again.
Nat, a freshman majoring in biomedical engineering is here to show us all that student life has to offer with over 500 student organizations, UH is a thriving community where students find their passions and forge lifelong friendships from Greek life and cultural organizations to leadership development programs and volunteer opportunities, UH provides a wealth of avenues for students to explore their passions, expand their horizons, and become the leaders of tomorrow. Tell us all about it, Nat.
– Thank you, Alex. I am a first year pre-med biomedical engineering major. Ever since I was diagnosed with type one diabetes, I’ve wanted to be a pediatrician. I needed a university that would both allow me to pursue an enriching pre-med track, but also all of the hobbies and activities I was interested in along the way. Because my sister is a Cougar alumni, I knew that the University of Houston would be perfect for me. At UH, you can balance academics, work, and a social life. Our list of 500 plus student organizations will have something for you. I’m a member of the American Medical Student Association and a few engineering orgs. I’m also an ambassador, so you’ll see me giving tours to incoming freshmen. I conduct type one diabetes research and I’m able to make a real world impact even as an undergraduate intern. I’ve met most of my friends through these orgs and we have a lot of fun on campus. There’s so much you can do here with your friends such as biweekly farmer’s markets, getting a latte at Cougar Grounds, tailgates, maybe catching a premiere at our on-campus movie theater or winning free stuff at RHA Bingo night. The Metropolitan Volunteer Program and Bonner Leaders are both ways you can give back to the community with your friends. Weeks of welcome at the beginning of the fall offers socials such as Flow Party and Cat’s Back affair where organizations will give out info and pre-merch. Later we have the week of homecoming where orgs will throw events such as Paint the Cougar and bed racing before the big game. The University of Houston has allowed me to find my friends for life and a clear path to my chosen career. I’m so excited for my future here and beyond. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Nat. Campus life looks like a ton of fun and Weeks of Welcome is a great way to get introduced to all UH has to offer. Let me know where I can get some glow sticks. Take care.
Maithili is a sophomore double majoring in management information systems and marketing. Who is ready to show us what UH athletics is all about. What a rich athletic history there is here. Iconic basketball teams, Heisman trophies, Olympic gold medalist, major championship golfers, and now as a member of the Big 12, the athletic experience is unparalleled. Let’s hear from Maithili about what makes Cougar Athletics so much fun for students.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone. Growing up, I was always involved in school, but I never quite knew what I wanted to pursue. Throughout high school, I was in band and took AP classes, but coming to the University of Houston, I decided to take a chance on business. I love the balance between hard work and play here. One of my favorite parts is attending the basketball games with my roommates. UH offers student tickets and I take advantage of that as often as possible. I love the sense of community Center has during basketball games. Seeing the alumni in student sections be packed is part of why UH is so special to me. UH has a memorable basketball history, starting with Phi Slama Jama, and we have continued to build that legacy with our entry into the Big 12, Final Four appearances and conference championships. In the fall, TDECU stadium packs out for the Cougar football games and the fire and passion of our student athletes invigorates the crowds. Our football team has made multiple appearances in bowl games. Our women’s golf, swim and dive, and track teams have an impressive legacy of bringing home multiple conference championships. Our athletic teams put in their all and getting to be a part of that and witnessing it is extremely inspiring. The spirit of our athletics speaks to the type of school the University of Houston is. Our student athletes and fans are supportive and passionate, and together, it’s a culture that I’ve learned to love. My Cougar pride has never been stronger and I’m excited to see where these programs go in the next couple of years. See you at the next game, Alex.
– Thanks, Maithili. Those basketball games look like so much fun. You can certainly feel the buzz around the teams here on campus and we can see plenty more championships coming here very soon. Thanks again.
Alexa is a senior majoring in human nutrition and foods and is ready to tell us why UH is the right choice for her. UH is a top ranked university for social mobility located in the nation’s fourth largest city, in the backyard of the world’s largest medical center with access to dozens of Fortune 500 companies after graduation. Yet it still feels like a tight-knit community. Tell us why, Alexa.
– Thanks, Alex. Howdy everyone. Like many people, I did not know what I wanted to do. I knew medicine and community were something I wanted in my college experience. Plus, it’s my mom’s alma mater. The more I looked in the UH, the more I realized I had everything I wanted, making it the perfect school for me. I fell in love with the science behind food, so I changed my major to human nutrition and foods and never looked back. UH offers many resources for their students to get involved in their major. With the help of my amazing professors, I joined an internship focusing on research about eating activity and community health. I was able to present my research at conferences throughout Texas. There are many organizations on campus, but I found my place in the Student Nutrition Association. There, I developed strong friendships and found people to study with so we can all tackle all the mileage together. A huge part of my program involves being a student worker at UHs’ Food Pantry, the Cougar Cupboard. This job has transformed my life and made me find a passion in community nutrition. Getting to be a part of helping my fellow peers not have to worry about where the next meal will come from is a rewarding experience. I chose and continue to choose UH because they care about their student success and what they need to thrive. I don’t feel like just is another student here on campus. From the friendly staff to the amazing professors who go above and beyond, I always feel welcome here. Now, that’s all for me. Now back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Alexa, and thank you for your hard work with the Cougar Cupboard. This is such important work and you are helping so many people avoid food insecurity. Thanks again.
I can’t wait for you to meet Kalia, a member of the WSU Spirit Squad. If there’s one symbol connecting WSU students and alumni worldwide, it’s that timeless Cougar logo. It’s on flags, hats, sweatshirts, and if you’re spotted wearing one, you’ll hear a Go Cougs. Kalia knows what I’m talking about. She’ll expect to hear it. Let’s hear some of your favorite Coug traditions. Take it away, Kalia.
– Thanks, Alex. Before choosing Washington State University, I knew I want to attend a school with the ultimate college game day experience. I was so excited not only to see my acceptance into the school, but also be offered a spot on the cheerleading team. Washington State’s game day experience is truly like no other. You may think otherwise since we’re surrounded by wheat, but that’s where all the fun, memories, and traditions have grown into what they are today. Coug fans are conscious showing their energy and pride for WSU. Cougar Football Saturday is packed with passion and tradition. For the Cougar Prowl, fans fill the field house as they build their energy and wait to welcome our football team and wish them luck before they enter the stadium. Cougville is next where the fans can play a variety of games. There’s also live music to enjoy and performances the band, cheer and dance teams. Kickoff is ultimately where all the fun happens. My favorite tradition is during each third down when the band plays “Jaws” and the crowd follows the motions of the spirit teams. “Jaws” is played at all WC sporting events, so is “Back Home” by Andy Grammar. This song represents that you always have a home at WSU, no matter where you go. Students and alumni sing together to celebrate this Coug family reunion. Nothing beats wearing the Coug logo across my chest while cheering on our Cougs, and spending game days with the best college mascot, Butch T. Cougar. WSU has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I’ve succeeded athletically in national competitions as well as academically by maintaining my spot on the WSU Honor roll. That’s my story.
– Go Cougs.
– Back to you Alex.
– Let’s go!
– Wow Kalia, congrats on making the honor roll. Thanks for sharing your perspective of the game day atmosphere at Wazoo. It’s that excitement and energy that has students coming back home, even years after they graduate. Thanks again, Kalia and Go Cougs!
Let’s meet Zane who’s taking full advantage of his college experience by getting involved in Greek life and student recreation. With almost a quarter of the WSU student body participating in Greek life, he has a story much like many others. WSU has social, multicultural, and academic fraternities and sororities. Zane, let’s hear what makes your experience, so unique.
– Thanks, Alex. I’m really enjoying my time at Washington State University and I make the most of it by being as involved as I can. While pursuing my goal of working in the finance industry, I also work on campus with university recreation and I’m heavily involved with my fraternity Beta Theta Pi. With my fraternity, I’ve been able to create friendships with some of the best people I’ve ever met, which extends to our great alumni network. We have camping and ski trips, movie nights and formals, but a fraternity is much more than that. Betas are committed to academics and consistently outperform the average WSU Men’s GPA. We also host some pretty cool philanthropy events for the community. One of my favorites was the campus-wide three on three basketball tournament we hosted at a fraternity house, where members of the WSU men’s and women’s basketball teams participated as coaches. All of Greek Row showed out and the energy was so exciting. We consistently participate in fundraising events around campus to donate to charities for men’s mental health. With my job as a facility manager, I connect with my peers on another level. Taking a leadership position at the Chinook Student Center and the Student Recreation Center is such a cool experience. Being surrounded by a great community of friends and coworkers has helped me be the best version of myself. I’m more outgoing and gain great leadership skills by interacting with so many groups of people. Before coming to WSU, I had no idea what it was like to be at Coug or where I’d end up, but now I can proudly say I’ve accomplished more than I could have ever imagined and made some great memories along the way. Thank you for listening to my story and back to you, Alex.
– Zane, I’m not sure how you have time for it all, but with the connections you’ve made through your on-campus job, your fraternity alumni network, and the WSU alumni network, you’re sure to be the first in line for a career after you graduate. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Research is paramount at WSU and is available to all students in all majors, even in their first year. Meet Mikayden, who has participated in several research projects focused on contributing to the community. Cougs are passionate about using their WSU experience to help others, and one avenue is through life-changing, experiential learning opportunities. Over to you Mikayden.
– I appreciate it Alex. Before college, I traveled full-time to compete horses. This pushed me into an online high school where I was able to graduate early. Next, I followed in my mom’s footsteps and applied to Washington State University for a degree in Chemical Engineering. WSU stood out to me because of their commitment to undergraduate research. Over 85% of the students in WSU’s Chem E program are involved in research and internships. As students, we are not limited to focus on one area. In one laboratory, I manufacture miniature hands-on engineering equipment for classrooms all across the nation. Just upstairs in a different lab, I help grow immune system cells in a centrifugal bioreactor developed by my lab. This cell growth is the principle of a cancer treatment called immunotherapy. The work we’re doing here will allow immunotherapy to be more accessible and affordable for cancer patients. WSU also offers a program called CySER. In this program, I study cybersecurity and help teach others the importance of cybersecurity for the future. This program offered me the opportunity to travel to places such as New York and Texas where I presented cyber defense research to government officials and other field experts. WSU has allowed me to pursue many STEM fields, through undergraduate research, travel, and program options, but the most impactful lesson I learned from these pursuits is how I love helping others, which pushed me to apply to law school. And thanks to my background at Washington State University, I will get to help people every single day in a career that is right for me, and that’s how WSU has inspired me. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Well done Mikayden. We agree. You have built a strong foundation of inquiry and scholarship at WSU that will allow you to help others through your personal and professional endeavors. Wishing you all the best as you start your new chapter in law school. Take care.
Let’s meet Gerra, a sophomore at WSU, a member of the Yakima Nation. WSU upholds their responsibility of maintaining relationships with the tribes and native peoples. Through the Office of Tribal Relations and Native American programs, Gerra is taking advantage of leadership programs and scholarships that are enriching her WSU experience. Gerra, tell us more about your academic and community building opportunities.
– Thanks, Alex. I grew up just minutes away from the Yakima Reservation, which kept me close to my extended family. My family works in a language program on the reservation, so I saw the impact of keeping the Yakima language alive for the next generation. This led me to pursue a degree that allows me to support that same message through art. Thanks to the vibrant Cougar community at Washington State University, I discovered my second home on campus. I stepped outta my comfort zone, forged new connections and explored many opportunities. The Native American Student Center is my favorite place on campus. The helpful and supportive staff there connected me with the Tribal Nation Building Leadership Program. This expanded my knowledge about tribal leadership, networks and sovereignty and even provided me with a scholarship. We also participate in workshops hosted by leaders in the native community across the state. Through the program, I can explore classes taught by the native faculty who care about the native students and our success. It was actually one of my native professors who encouraged me to pursue digital technology and culture. At Wazoo, I found a strong sense of belonging in the Native American Student Club Ku-Ah-Mah. We host an Annual Powwow where drummers sing traditional songs, dancers from many different categories and age groups perform. I’ve been attending Powwows my whole life and now I get to host them. WSU helped me grow in my education and gave me a community. These opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the support of my fellow Cougs. I’ll be leaving WSU with experience and a degree to go back to the reservation and support the Yakima Language program as an artist. Well, that’s me. Back to you, Alex.
– Gerra, we’re so glad you found a second home here. The Native American Student Center sounds like an incredible space to find community and support. We admire your commitment to your tribe, your family, and your heritage as you work to keep your native language alive for generations to come. Thanks for sharing your story Gerra, take care.