OUR TRADITIONS Throughout history, the University of Houston has connected alumni worldwide through its timehonored traditions. From football games, study sessions at the library to long walks on campus, lifelong bonds are formed and memories are created.
Red and White The official colors of the University of Houston are Scarlet Red and Albino White, the colors of Sam Houston’s ancestor, Sir Hugh. Scarlet Red represents “the blood of royalty that was spared due to the timely arrival of Sir Hugh and the blood that is the life source of the soul.” Albino White denotes “the purity and perfections of the heart, mind and soul engaged in the effort to serve faithfully that which is by right and reason, dutifully served.” In other words, the red stands for courage or inner strength
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to face the unknown, and the white stands for the good of helping one’s fellow man.
The Official Seal The seal was adopted by UH in 1938 in conjunction with the construction of the campus. The official seal of arms of General Sam Houston, as handed down to him from noble ancestors. The simple escutcheon in the center of the seal consists of checkered chevrons denoting nobility, and three martlets, gentle low land birds symbolizing peace and deliverance. A winged hourglass is above the shield and surmounting this, the motto, “In Tempore” (In Time). Greyhounds were placed at the sides to indicate the speed in giving aid. The first official version was placed on the floor of the Roy Cullen Building.
Cougar Hand Sign The “Cougar Sign,” is made by folding the ring finger of the right hand toward the palm. The tradition dates back to 1953, when Shasta I, the presiding cougar mascot, lost a toe in a cage door on the way to a game. While at the game in Austin, the opposing team mocked UH by imitating the cougar’s injury. Cemented in 1976 with a 30-0 win over that same team, tradition tells Cougar faithful the paw is extended on the right hand to demonstrate unity among the UH community.
Shasta, UH’s Cougar Mascot Between 1947 and 1989, five live cougars served as mascots; the tradition of a live mascot was revived in 2012 with Shasta VI, our current living cougar mascot, who resides in an environmentally approved habitat at the Houston Zoo. Costumed Shasta mascots have been a tradition for half a century, becoming one of the first two costumed mascots in the country. Shasta and Sasha do pushups after each Cougar touchdown scored, to match the total on the scoreboard. Fans count along as the mascots complete the push-ups and their voices are matched with the sounding of the Spirit Bell and the Spirit of Houston Marching Band’s music.
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Year in Review: 2020
