ALUMNI BAND AID
V O L U M E
V I ,
I S S U E
V
A U G U S T
2 0 1 4
Feed the Spirit!
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR!
 August 22, 2014
2014 “Feed the
Spirit” - Feed the
Band
 Nov 1, 2014
SOH Concert &
Silent Auction
 Nov 8, 2014
Reunion &
Homecoming
 Nov 22, 2014
Senior Day
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Concert & Silent
Auction &
Football Schedule
2
Message from the
President
3
Tailgaiting 2014
4
Scholarship
Recipients
5
Campus Happenings
6
Fall 2014 Calendar of 8
Events
2014 Annual Meeting 9
Alumni Spotlight
10
Music Notes
11
KK/TBΣ Corner
12
By Nancy Hess
Cougar Doll 1976 to 1980
Miss your days of summer band? Wanting to get back on campus and see what is happening this year with the Spirit of Houston band? Then come out on Friday, August
22nd as the Alumni provides dinner for the current Band, Dolls, Cheer , Color Guard
and Twirlers following their last practice of summer band. We will meet in the Grove
(right next to the Music building) at the Moore’s School of Music following the last
practice. This has become a tradition for the past few years. Fellow Cougars and
Band Supporters Kevin and Patty Godfrey will help in providing the “grill” and cooking. It is
a great time to get to know
members of the current group as
well as show our presence as an
alumni support group. Alumni
members will begin preparing
for the band and setting up beginning at 3:30 p.m. with the
dinner starting at 5:00. Wear
your Cougar red and join us welcome the new Spirit of Houston.
Don’t forget…
Support the Spirit of Houston Alumni by visiting
Amazon.com
to make purchases through the link on our website.
We get a percentage from every purchase!
www.spiritofhoustonalumni.com
PAGE
2
2014 SOH Concert & Silent Auction
“If you would like to support
our 2014 Silent Auction with a
donation of any Cougar or UH
themed item please
contact :
Patricia Mims at
phantomdach@earthlink.net.
Donations need to be
received no later than
October 25, 2014.”
Trish Mims
Tenor Sax 1979-80
Our date for the 2014
Concert & Silent Auction
is November 1, 2014. Put
it on your calendar today
and plan to attend. It’s a
show you don’t want to
miss, and for a ticket price
of $10 you can’t beat it for
outstanding entertainment.
Tickets will be available
through the ticket office at
the Moores Opera House.
We are planning some
fun activities for this
year’s auction, so keep
Watch for details to be
coming soon.
As always if you would like
to support your Spirit of
Houston by donating an
item for our auction, please
email
phantomdach@earthlink.net
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??
August 29
UH vs UTSA
TDECU Stadium 8 PM
September 6
UH vs Grambling State
TDECU Stadium Time: 7 PM
September 20
UH vs UNLV
TDECU Stadium Time: 8 PM
October 2
UH vs UCF
TDECU Stadium Time: 6 PM
October 17
UH vs Temple—Alumni Day/Homecoming
TDECU Stadium 8 PM
November 8
UH vs Tulane
TDECU Stadium Time: TBA
November 22
UH vs Tulsa
TDECU Stadium Time: TBA
Home games only listed.
Times subject to change. Please see www.uhcougars.com for most up to date information
ALUMNI
BAND
AID
VOLUME
VI,
ISSUE
V
PAGE
3
A Note from the President
By: Jennifer Garrison
Percussion & Twirler 1990-93
Dear Fellow Cougars,
Two years ago, on the
1st of September, I
became the first President
of the Spirit of Houston
Alumni not named Chris
Mims. And this year, on
the 1st of September, I
will complete my 2 year
term and pass the
Presidency to my Vice
President and capable
colleague, Rusty Hess, to
become the first
Immediate Past President
of the Spirit of Houston
Alumni not named Chris
Mims. It seems as if I
have accomplished a lot
of firsts with this
organization not being
Chris Mims, and because
of my successes in this
area, I pledge to continue
my work for the Spirit of
Houston alumni, not as
Chris Mims.
Kidding aside, in so
many ways, my
Presidency has been a
transitional one. It was
our final year at
Robertson stadium, then
we played a year’s worth
of away football games.
And now, in the last days
of my term, we return
Home. Our charter and
bylaws changed quite a
bit, but our events only
ever slightly. Well…
except I don’t think we’ll
ever forget Alumni Day
moving from Rice to
BBVA the week of the
event only to about freeze
to death at dawn in the
pouring rain. Megan, I
still have your shirts, I’m
saving them just for you.
Despite it all, our
mission has not and will
never change. I am
confident that in the new
Rusty Hess era of the
Spirit of Houston Alumni,
our goal of promoting
fellowship and tradition
amongst our former
members, while serving
and supporting the
activities and goals of our
current members, will
always remain. We will
never be content to just
bring a group of active
Alumni together for good
times, we will all strive to
consistently ensure that
our main focus is on our
students. This is just what
we do, regardless of
whose name is next to the
word “President”.
As the Immediate Past
President, I will not be too
far away. Rusty has
promised to track me if I
stray. Trey and I will still be
chairing the “Feed the Spirit”
and Tailgating, and I will
remain working on other
projects I began, including
the expansion of our Board
membership ranks. I
congratulate all of the new
and returning officers and
know we will continue to
build on our successes. It
has been an honor and a
privilege to serve this
wonderful organization, and
I look forward to continuing
to serve the Board in
whatever capacity needed.
Now, come experience
our new tailgate venue and
share with me some Red
Drank!
Loyally,
Jennifer Garrison
Trey & Jennifer
Garrison
PAGE
4
WELCOME HOME...
Tailgating 2014 Style
By: Jennifer Garrison
Percussion & Twirler 1990-93
This is a theme which has been prominent with our Houston Cougars return to campus. We’re
beyond ready to see the first game in our new TDECU stadium, and while it may seem that everything
has changed, your Spirit of Houston Alumni will still be your party home for the pre-pre-game.
This year we will be located at the “Party on the Plaza” event out front of the Athletics/Alumni
Center on Cullen. This is THE VENUE for most organized alumni tailgating. We should be
established right out front, so look for the banners! Please plan to visit your new tailgating home for
every home game, as we should be in the same place each week…even for the Thursday game!
We welcome both former members of the Spirit of Houston and their families, as well as the
families of the current members. Food, fun, and beverages are available for all ages. Sign up to learn
more information about our activities, visit with old friends, and meet some new ones. If you’re so
inclined, you may leave a small optional donation to offset some of the costs.
We arrive for set up 4 hours prior to kick off, and the festivities begin about 30 minutes later.
We will break down and disperse an hour before pre-game to allow us enough time to be in our seats to
watch the Spirit of Houston Pre-Game Show. If you follow us on Facebook or are on our Yahoo!
Groups List, you will receive the most up to date information. And again, welcome home! We can’t
wait to see you.
PAGE
2014 Scholarship Recipients
By: Jennifer Garrison
Percussion & Twirler 1990-93
Congratulations to the 2013 Spirit of Houston Alumni Scholarship Recipients
The Spirit of Houston Alumni Scholarship committee is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Marsh Band
Scholarship, Trenton Haltom and Mason Story.
Trenton is a second year Sociology Master’s candidate. This is his second year as a feature twirler for the Spirit of
Houston. He balances his involvement in the Spirit of Houston and Cougar Brass with serving as a Sociology Department
Teaching Assistant and twirling competitively. He is the 2013 and 2014 Texas Men’s Collegiate twirling champion and
nationally placed in the top 5 in two baton and rhythmic twirl, top 6 in men’s solo and top 10 in three baton. He also
teaches baton twirling to Houston area students.
Mason is Sophomore, Hotel and Restaurant Management Major. This will be her third year as a trumpet player in the
Spirit of Houston. She has also been a member of the Cougar Brass and a member of the UH World Champion Odyssey of
the Mind team. She recently acted as Assistant Director of the Young Inventors Showcase of Houston and teaches problem
solving and theater workshops in the Houston area. She volunteers at the Houston SPCA and has pledged to spread her
Cougar spirit worldwide!
Please join us in congratulating these two exemplary students. Thank you also to our Scholarship committee: Lisa and
Matt Cushing, Chris Foster, Jennifer Garrison, Trish Mims, Nancy Hess, Rusty Hess, and Rhonda Pitts.
If you are interested in contributing to our scholarship fund, please contact us!
5
PAGE
6
UH Campus Evolution Continues into 2014-15
By Chris Foster
Tubad & Horn 96-02
With each passing year, the UH central campus continues to evolve. For many alumni who have been away for some
time, much of the campus might be unrecognizable as the place they earned their degree in years past. Since the
installation of Chancellor Renu Khator, the university has taken its long-term strategic plan and is well on its way to
becoming a reality. With the opening of TDECU Stadium just around the corner, many campus projects have been
moving and breakneck speed. Among the many changes that will greet students when they return for fall classes are:
Cullen Boulevard – After years (decades) of requests, the City of Houston and University of Houston have come to
an agreement about Cullen Blvd. This summer, the city has worked to upgrade Cullen, re-pouring many sections
of concrete and making the street level once again. The days of scratched bumpers and lost mufflers will be a
thing of the past. On gamedays, the stretch of Cullen between Holman and Cougar Place will be used as a
tailgating venue.
New Band ‘Annex’ – With the completion of TDECU Stadium comes the opening of the Bert Winston Jr. Band &
Performance Complex. This 23,000 sq ft facility will be the new home of the Spirit of Houston and the Athletics
ticket office. The facility is located in the east end zone of the new football stadium and faces Cullen Blvd. The
move into the new facility is scheduled for early in the fall semester.
Light Rail – Construction of the Southeast Light Rail line is 99% complete and Metro has a target date of December
for the line to begin operation. The Southeast Line approaches UH from the MacGregor Park side of campus,
has a stop at Moody Towers, proceeds down Wheeler and makes a right turn on Scott. There is another stop
outside TDECU stadium, and at the corner of Elgin and Scott, before the line proceeds through East Downtown
(EaDo), pass BBVA Compass stadium and goes into downtown as far as the Theater District
The Grove/The Alley Theatre – As many of you may have heard, the Alley Theatre, Houston’s Tony-award
winning theatre company, is taking up residence in the School of Theater (Wortham Theater on campus) for the
next year. This is very exciting as it is bringing many arts patrons (& notoriety) to campus. As part of this
endeavor, “The Grove” (the green park space between the School of Music and the Fine Arts Building) has been
complete redesigned with new trees, more walkways, a small stage for outdoor performances, and lots of grass.
New Signage – Over the summer, the university has been installing new signage all over campus. When you come
to visit, you’ll find red and gray pylons all over campus directing you to the various “precincts” on campus: Arts,
Athletics, Residential, Central, and Professional. Also, every single parking lot is getting its own sign, so there
should be less confusion about who can park where and with what permit.
Student Life – The student body took to the first phase of the remodeled University Center like fish to water. It has
once again become the heart of the university, housing the bookstore, campus organizations, a new food court
(with Starbucks), and several key university offices. Phase Two of the project is due to open in January. Also, a
new bar & grill is set to open soon on campus (Calhoun’s Rooftop Bar & Grill), which would provide more
nightlife opportunities for the growing on-campus community.
Increased Student Housing – The university has begun partnerships with several companies which nationwide
leaders in providing student housing. The first of these new complexes is opening this fall, The Vue, will be
located at the corner of Calhoun and South MacGregor. Additional private housing complexes are due to be built
over the next two years on both sides of I-45.
It really is an exciting era for the University of Houston. I know that when I was going to school here, I always felt that
UH was that diamond in the rough, where you knew it was a good school if you were a student, but it was hard to spread
the word. Now, it’s hard to not take note of the complete transformation of UH into an institution that you can’t ignore.
PAGE
Bert Winston Jr. Band & Performance Complex
The Grove
TDECU Stadium
Rail Line Route
7
PAGE
8
Fall 2014 Dates to Remember….
August 18th-22nd, 2014
Spirit Week
August 22nd, 2014
Feed the Spirit - Feed the Band
Day 3:30p
Location: The Grove—by Moores
School of Music
August 29th, 2014
UH vs UTSA 8:00p
Location: TDECU Stadium
September 4th, 2014
SOHA Board Meeting 7:00p
Mandola's
4105 Leeland St
Houston, Tx 77023
(713) 223-5186
September 6th, 2014
UH vs Grambling State 7:00p
Location: TDECU Stadium
September 11th, 2014
UH at BYU 8:00p
Location: Provo, Utah
September 20th, 2014
UH vs UNLV TBA
Location: TDECU Stadium
October 2nd, 2014
UH vs UCF 6:00p
Location: TDECU Stadium
October 9th, 2014
SOHA Board Meeting 7:00p
Mandola's
4105 Leeland St
Houston, Tx 77023
(713) 223-5186
October 11th, 2014
UH vs Memphis Time: TBA
Location: Memphis, Tenn
October 17th, 2014
UH vs Temple 8:00p
Location: TDECU Stadium
November 1st, 2014
UH vs USF Time: TBA
Location: Tampa, Fl.
November 1st, 2014
Annual Concert &
Silent Auction—Time TBA
Location: Moores Opera House
November 8th, 2014
Annual SOHA Reunion &
Homecoming
UH vs Tulane Time: TBA
Location: TDECU Stadium
2014 Homecoming Theme:
“Can’t be Tamed”
November 22nd, 2014
Senior Day
UH vs Tulsa Time: TBA
Location: TDECU Stadium
November 28th, 2014
UH vs SMU Time: TBA
Location: Dallas, Tx
December 4th, 2014
SOHA Board Meeting at 7:00p
Mandola's
4105 Leeland St
Houston, Tx 77023
(713) 223-5186
December 6th, 2014
UH vs Cincinnati Time: TBA
Location: Cincinnati, Oh
November 6th, 2014
SOHA Board Meeting at 7:00p
Mandola's
4105 Leeland St
Houston, Tx 77023
(713) 223-5186
All Hail to the our Houston, University!
Our hearts fill with gladness, when we think of thee.
We’ll always adore thee, dear old varsity!
And to thy memories cherished, true we’ll ever be!
PAGE
2014 Annual Meeting held at Mandola’s Deli
By: Nancy Hess
By Nancy Hess
Cougar Doll 1976 to 1980
The evening of Friday, July 11th, the Spirit of Houston Alumni held their
annual meeting at a favorite location of many a Cougar, Mandola’s Deli. As
a member you possibly have memories of spending time here while attending
classes at UH.
We had a record crowd of about 75 members on hand to find out what the
alumni group has in store for the coming year, present the officers for the
next year and meet some key personnel who help make things run smoothly
for both the Spirit of Houston and the School of Music.
It was great to see so many different eras of alumni represented from our
most recent graduates to some who have been out many years. Dr. Andrew
Davis, the Director of the Moore’s School of Music was on hand to share
exciting things that are happening on campus. The Cougar Doll Director
Khristal Harbert and Cheerleader Coach Jasmine Arnold were also in
attendance.
The new officers for the 2014-15 year are as follows:
President: Rusty Hess
Vice President: Randall Sitton
Recording Secretary: Trish Mims
Corresponding Secretary: Nancy Hess
Immediate Past President: Jennifer ZuberGarrison
President Emeritus: Chris Mims
If you were unable to join us this year, we hope you will
make plans to attend next July or better yet, stop by before a
game at our new tailgate pad or attend the Spirit on Stage
concert this year on November 1st. We hope to see you soon.
9
“We had a record crowd of
about 75 members on hand
to find out what the alumni
group has in store for the
coming year…”
“ It was great to see so
many different eras of band
alumni represented from
our most recent graduates
to some who have been out
many years…”
PAGE
10
Alumni Spotlight
By: Nancy Hess
By Nancy Hess
Cougar Doll 1976 to 1980
The Alumni Spotlight shines
on Cathy Coers Frank…
If you have ever been to a
Spirit of Houston Alumni event
or Cougar Sporting event, you
have probably met Cathy Coers
Frank. Cathy has been an
integral and founding member of
the Spirit of Houston Executive
Board for the past 14 years and
looks forward to serving many
more. She became involved
with the Spirit of Houston
Alumni soon after the arrival of
Mr. David Bertman in 2000.
Cathy first became interested
in the University of Houston
after spotting a flyer in her high
school gym advertising
participation in the Cougar
Dolls. Later that year, she
attended a sports banquet where
the guest of honor was Cougar
coach Bill Yeoman. His
excitement about the university
convinced her that U of H was
the place for her. Following a
conversation with Dr. Bill
Moffit, Cathy set her sights on
becoming a Cougar and entered
tryouts for the Cougar Dolls the
next fall. When asked what
were her favorite memories of
membership in the Cougar Band,
Cathy replied that it was the lifelong friendships she has made
with so many of her band mates
who have become family to her
as well as the memories of our
trips together. “I cannot imagine
what it would have been like not
being a part of this organization.”
she stated.
Soon after graduation, Cathy
was invited to attend a Young
Alumni social and quickly
became an active member of this
organization. She held the office
of both Program Director and
President. That was just the
beginning. Cathy has served the
University of Houston in many
capacities.
As a student, Cathy was a
member of Chi Omega Sorority
and has worked hard supporting
both organizations as an active
alum. Besides being a life
member, Cathy has served in
many capacities on campus such
as a current member of the UH
Alumni Board (from which she
will retire this year),
Homecoming Chair, Past
President of the School of
Communications Alumni, and
chairman of numerous
committees. Cathy was honored
with the Distinguished Service
Award, Chi Omega Houston
Alumnae Woman of the Year,
Advisor of the Year and Frontier
Fiesta Honoree. Throughout the
years, Cathy has given countless
hours to the university and
continues to support the Cougars.
When asked where she would like
to see this organization in the future,
Cathy responded that she would like
to see it continue to grow with each
new class of graduates and continue
the spirit of friendship. “We may
not always agree on everything but
we try to do what is best for the
Spirit of Houston.” She is most
proud that our organization has not
only focused on the social aspects of
an alumni group but has worked to
create scholarships for current and
future students. “As a young
graduate, you may not be able to
financially support your university
or alumni group but you can still
give your time and get involved in
other ways.”
Cathy and her husband Jay Frank
are the owners of Class Act, which
is a business that organizes and
plans class reunions. They started
their business after helping a fellow
Cougar, Janet Jones organize her
high school reunion.
The Spirit of Houston alumni are
so fortunate to have such a special
Cougar as a part of our team. As
Cathy stated, you just have to get
out and get involved. That is how
you make a difference for YOUR
University.
PAGE
Music Notes
Cindy Bryant’s Mother passed away.
Matthew Edwards—Asst Band
Director, Otto Middle School, Plano
Sheila Dawson—1st Grade Teaching
position in Aldine
Brian Albert—Assistant Band Director
at McMillian High School, Plano
Alex Brock Manager of the new
Kroger on Barker Cypress
Justin Butterfras—Congratulations on
Acceptance to Grad School at St.
Thomas.
Joe Cherwink—Asst Band Director,
Tompkins High School
Chris Mims—New Owner - Mims Integra
Insurance
Bianca Boyd & Carlos Hamilton— Got
married this summer.
Cory Heath—Pediatric Psychology Fellow,
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Ryan Heath—Band Director—Keller High
School
Wendy McCann—Retired University of
Colorado Boulder to be a stay at home
Mom.
Roxanne Weiner Tiner and Wayne
Tiner—Congratulations on their
Grandchild
Mike & Iris Story—First Grandchild on
the way!
Courtney Lawrence—Promotion to Staff
Sargent, Commandants Own USMC Drum
and Bugle Corp, Washington DC
Allison Lopez—Engaged to Nathan Budden
Scotty Lopez—Events Coordinator with
UHAA
Please notify Lisa Cushing at
lisacushing2000@yahoo.com of marriages,
new jobs or kids, or anything else you would
like to have
listed in this column.
11
PAGE
KKψ - TBΣ
KKY Alumni Coordinator
Nathan Coronado
Coronadonp@gmail.com
TBS Alumni Coordinator
Vivian Kirk
Public & Alumni Relations
vivik818@yahoo.com
The Spirit of Houston Alumni Group is an organization
whose primary function is to raise scholarship funds for deserving students and to provide a fun outlet for all Spirit of
Houston Alumni—Band, Dolls, Corp, Guard, Cheerleaders,
Spirit of Houston Alumni
1603 Windloch St
Richmond, Tx, 77406
etc. to meet for fellowship at home games and other events.
STAY CURRENT AND CONNECTED:
uhbands-alumni@yahoogroups.com
FACEBOOK PAGE
Rusty Hess, President
E-mail: rthess3377@yahoo.com
Nancy Derr Hess, Corresponding Secretary
Phone: (281) 395-1587
Email: hessn@yahoo.com
Spirit of Houston Alumni Association
12