Homecoming 2004 pits the Cougars against the East Carolina Pirates on Nov. 6.

Homecoming 2004 at the University of Houston is themed “Cougar Invasion,” but for many members of the campus community, the week of events is a “Cougar Celebration.”

“Homecoming is when alumni, faculty, staff and students can reflect on tradition,” said David Bertman, director of the University of Houston’s Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band. “It’s a unique time when Cougars past and present come together and really celebrate the university, where it’s been and where it’s headed.”

Homecoming week kicks off Monday, Nov. 1, and culminates with the Cougar football game against the East Carolina University Pirates at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, in Robertson Stadium.

While the week of events is heavily student driven, the entire campus community is encouraged to participate in the week’s events.

“As faculty and staff, we support the students, so our involvement during this week is very important,” said Joe Papick, Staff Council president and director of the Child Welfare Education Project in the Graduate School of Social Work.

Papick, who also serves on the homecoming planning committee, said that faculty and staff can show their support by wearing Cougar apparel, decorating their offices and attending the week’s events, particularly the football game.

Prior to the game, a homecoming parade will begin at 2 p.m., featuring decorative golf carts going to the stadium via Holman Street.

To prepare for the big game, the campus community is encouraged to wear red on UH Spirit Day, Wednesday, Nov. 3, and attend a noon pep rally with free food at Cullen Family Plaza.

Art Briles, head football coach, Dave Maggard, director of athletics, and the marching band under the direction of Bertman are scheduled to attend the rally.

“This pep rally is more than an opportunity to get revved up for the Homecoming game,” Bertman said. “It’s a chance for the entire UH community to admire the greatness of this university. When everyone’s out there, they need to look around and really appreciate how wonderful UH is.”

Faculty and staff members also can show their school spirit on this day by decorating their offices for the “Spirit Bell” contest. Decorated offices will be judged from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information on how to enter the “Spirit Bell” contest and for a complete list of homecoming activities, go to http://www.uh.edu/alumni/homecoming/.

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu