Graduation Retrospective

A Grand Procession!

A lot has happened at the University of Houston since the community gathered to celebrate our first graduating class of 80 students in 1935. Now, more than 11,000 students graduate annually, and each celebration reminds us why it is so special to be a UH Cougar.  

Taylor Swift-themed graduation cap decorated to say "in my graduation era."
A black & white photograph of Ora D. “O.D.” Brown

1930s-1940s

In August 1934, Ora D. “O.D.” Brown (pictured in 1969) became UH’s first graduate, and the only one that year. He waited until May 1935 to walk with fellow graduates at the first annual commencement, which was held at Miller Memorial Theater, better known today as Miller Outdoor Theater. Commencement ceremonies moved to campus in front of the Roy G. Cullen Building in 1940 and UH conferred 15 master’s degrees to the first cohort of graduate students that same year. 

1950s

Enrollment nearly doubled after World War II, and it remained steady at approximately 13,000 students during the 1950s. Commencement ceremonies were traditionally held in early June near the reflection pool, in the area that is now the Cullen Family Plaza. The Class of 1952 included 1,992 graduates.

A black & white photo of a group of graduates from the 1950's
A black & white photograph of a graduation ceremony being recorded for television in 1960

1960s

Ceremonies for UH’s 27th graduating class were televised by KUHT, the nation’s first educational television station. On June 3, 1961, more than 1,000 graduates began their processional under bright lights as commencement was broadcast live to viewers at home.

A black and white photo of George H. W. Bush joined UH’s fifth president, Philip G. Hoffman for a commencement ceremony

1970s

In 1937, UH’s first president, E. E. Oberholtzer (1927-1950), began an effort to secure support from the local business community by seeking speakers from within the ranks of Houston’s power structure. In 1977, George H. W. Bush joined UH’s fifth president, Philip G. Hoffman (1961-1977), at the summer commencement.

A black & white photograph of a group of graduates in the 1980's

1980s

In 1980, UH eclipsed an enrollment of more than 30,000 students for the first time in its history, and more than 4,000 students graduated each year. In 1982, commencement ceremonies were transitioned from a university-wide ceremony to college-based ceremonies, a tradition that continues today. 

A black & white photograph of one female graduate helping another female graduate with her grad cap

1990s

By the late 1990s, UH was home to 13 colleges. Humanities, Fine Arts & Communication had the highest enrollment followed by the College of Business Administration, and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Graduating classes grew to nearly 6,000, requiring most ceremonies to be held in Hofheinz Pavilion and Cullen Performance Hall. 

A color photograph of 5 men in graduation caps & gowns, jumping in front of the Cullen building on UH campus

2000s

In the 2000s, social media began to influence commencement trends on campus. Students let their personalities shine in graduation photos. Graduation caps, also known as mortarboards, became a vibrant canvas for students to express their individuality, creativity and personal achievements as they celebrate the culmination of their academic journey. 

2010s

Upon completion of TDECU Stadium, UH briefly returned to a university-wide commencement during the 2010s. High profile commencement speakers included Matthew McConaughey (2015), Astronaut Scott Kelly (2016) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (2017).

A color photo of Arnold Schwarzenegger giving a commencement speech, smiling, & doing the cougar hand sign
A color photo of a student shaking hands with a faculty member & posing for a photo on the stage at graduation

2020s

Today, Cougar pride continues to show itself in fun and surprising ways. While graduation ceremonies are bigger than ever, one thing remains ever true — students will always find ways to make the celebration their own. During their ceremony, the official Shasta mascots enjoy a grand reveal of the person behind the costume.

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