Think You Know UH?

Here are eight facts to test your campus knowledge.

View of fountains and Ezekiel Cullen Building

In the nearly 100 years that the University of Houston has been a thriving campus, it has accumulated lots of fun lore and history that Coogs take pride in. You probably already know about Frontier Fiesta, or that it’s good luck to rub the cougar’s paw before a game or that the Student Center has a movie theater.* But you might not know these eight exciting facts that contribute to making our campus one of the greatest in Texas. Test your campus knowledge with these little-known facts about UH.

*If you didn’t know, you do now!

Cougar statue with paw extended outside of TDECU Stadium

1.

Do you know why the 'Statue of Four Lies' is prone to shenanigans?

close-up image of the Statue of Four Lies

Most students are unaware of the lore behind this public art installation, which was purposefully designed to encourage student interaction. The creators of the sculpture, Jack Massing and Michael Galbreth, two UH alumni known as the Art Guys, wanted the piece to encourage the kind of lighthearted shenanigans meted out to statues at other college campuses. Today, students sometimes adorn the statue with UH T-shirts or holiday-themed accessories like reindeer antlers and pumpkins.  

The Statue of Four Lies decorated with UH T-shirts, necklaces and buttons

These statues can't resist the allure of UH swag!

These statues can't resist the allure of UH swag!

2.

Have you checked out the Music Library?

Outside view of the Moores School of Music, where the Music Library is located

Oftentimes, all the love and attention shines brightly on the University’s M.D. Anderson Library, but it’s important to recognize that UH has six additional libraries, each offering special collections and valuable resources available to the UH community. Among these, the Music Library at the Moores School of Music has an array of music-related materials and a serene study environment. The Music Library provides all students with access to music databases and resources for music research, spanning a variety of topics from medieval compositions to contemporary hip-hop, and everything in between.

lounge area with couch, table and chairs by bookshelves and windows at the Music Library

Students can relax and study inside of this cozy lounge area in the Music Library.

Students can relax and study inside of this cozy lounge area in the Music Library.

3.

Can you spot the hidden quote in this mural on the Graduate College of Social Work?

Large Arabic calligraphy mural on the wall of the Graduate College of Social Work

The “calligraffiti” style mural is the work of French-Tunisian artist eL Seed, who said he wanted the mural to reflect a message relevant to the UH community. The large mural on the side of the Graduate College of Social Work includes a quote from Sam Houston translated into Arabic that reads, “Knowledge is the food of genius, and my son, let no opportunity escape you to treasure up knowledge.” The quote reinforces the University’s mission to provide top-tier education and to pursue meaningful research outcomes.

Colorful eL Seed mural on the wall of the Graduate College of Social Work that includes a Sam Houston quote

The colorful calligraffiti-style mural has been on the Graduate College of Social Work since 2016.

The colorful calligraffiti-style mural has been on the Graduate College of Social Work since 2016.

4.

Do you know which UH game put college basketball on the map?

A 1968 photo of the inside of the crowded Astrodome and basketball court during the Game of the Century.

This 1968 game between UH and UCLA was the first nationally-broadcast, regular-season college basketball game in prime time. Over 50,000 fans filled the Astrodome for the much-anticipated Game of the Century. The event proved that a national audience would watch college basketball games during the regular season. The Cougars’ Elvin Hayes famously scored 39 points and faced off against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor). The game has gone down in history as the game that sparked national interest in college basketball. In 2022, the Cougars wore vintage-style jerseys to commemorate the era of the Game of the Century.

1968 Sports Illustrated Cover that shows Elvin Hayes throwing the basketball and jumping over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1968 cover of Sports Illustrated that pictures Elvin Hayes shooting over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor).

1968 cover of Sports Illustrated that pictures Elvin Hayes shooting over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor).

5.

Why are robots roaming around campus?

starship food delivery robot in front of large UH banner on campus

UH was the first university in Texas to offer robotic food delivery. A fleet of 30 autonomous Starship food delivery robots was initially introduced to UH in 2019, and they have since become an adored feature on campus. These robots deliver a wide range of food and beverages from seven distinct locations across the campus, including popular spots such as the Market, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Starbucks. In 2022, these efficient robots accomplished a remarkable 40,160 deliveries, with Starbucks, McAlister's and Panda Express emerging as the top choices among students and employees. As of now, these 30 robotic helpers maintain an impressive average of 195 deliveries daily.

Two Starship food delivery robots outside of Student Center South

Two Starship food delivery robots getting ready to deliver tasty treats to Coogs!

Two Starship food delivery robots getting ready to deliver tasty treats to Coogs!

6.

Do you know why the Frontiersmen fly our flags at halftime?

Frontiersmen dressed in dusters, cowboy hats and wranglers flying the Texas and UH flags on the football field

The Frontiersmen, a select group of students chosen to proudly represent UH and bolster the spirit of athletics, Frontier Fiesta and other campus events, haven’t always been a vibrant part of UH's legacy – but they’ve had a modern resurgence. In 1991, a collective of students hailing from various fraternities came together to establish the fresh iteration of the Frontiersmen. Drawing inspiration from the original Frontiersmen of 1948, they adopted the group's name and its iconic attire, including wranglers, cowboy hats and dusters. Today, the Frontiersmen continue to exhibit their unwavering school spirit at every football game. They do so by proudly hoisting the UH and Texas flags high and sounding the BLAZE siren, contributing to the electrifying atmosphere that defines UH athletics events.

the back of three Frontiersmen making the Cougar hand sign

UH Frontiersmen embodying the spirit of Cougar pride at the opening Cougar vs. UTSA football game.

UH Frontiersmen embodying the spirit of Cougar pride at the opening Cougar vs. UTSA football game.

7.

How many parking spaces are on campus?

Parking garage with UH logos on campus

We’ve got 25,365 parking spaces for faculty, staff and students. Our campus includes six conveniently located parking garages and eight distinct parking zones. In some areas, UH also provides electric vehicle charging stations, supporting sustainable transportation in the community.

 

a view of a parking lot on UH campus with Downtown Houston in the background

Parking Zone B is an ideal location for students studying music, arts and communication.

Parking Zone B is an ideal location for students studying music, arts and communication.

8.

Did you know that the Healthy Connections program is free to join?

The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine Building

The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine offers a range of unique programs that benefit both UH and the local community. Among these initiatives, the Healthy Connections program plays a vital role in addressing the pressing health care needs of Houston’s Third Ward and East End communities. This program places a strong emphasis on cultivating trust-based relationships, enhancing health literacy and expanding access to critical health care and social services.

A Healthy Connections worker showing a flyer for the program

Community health workers focus on improving health care access for community members.

Community health workers focus on improving health care access for community members.