Homecoming Queen candidates at work on the homecoming bonfire, from the UH Photographs Collection

The University of Houston campus is in the midst of celebration.  All this week students have been revving up for homecoming, participating in a number of celebratory events that culminate in Family Weekend and Saturday’s football game versus another group of Cougars from Brigham Young University.  Homecoming celebrations and college campuses need no introductions to one another.  Festivities and celebrations vary little, save the bright colors accompanying the pageantry, from state to state and town to town.  This year, however, homecoming and Family Weekend coincide in one tremendous Cougar Family celebration.

Homecoming program from 1950, from the Athletics Department Records

Family Weekend has traditionally presented an opportunity to invite the families of our students to campus and allow a look into the collegiate experience that is uniquely Houston.  This year, a growing schedule of events (including tours of our own M.D. Anderson Library), will give family members of UH students a first-hand view of student life on and off campus.  Events will also include various campus tours, a Family BBQ Celebration, and the Family Game Day Tailgate on Saturday preceding the big game against BYU at 2:30pm at Reliant Stadium.

All of the homecoming fervor, though, has piqued my interest.  A quick search of “homecoming” in our archival finding aids returns a number of interesting results.  Our UH Photographs Collection holds plenty of photographs related to homecoming celebrations throughout the years.  The Athletics Department Records boast programs from homecoming games dating back to 1950.  Even the President’s Office Records contain an entire folder dedicated to communications and various documents related to homecoming.

Telegram from University President, General A.D. Bruce, from the President’s Office Records

Here at the University of Houston Special Collections we are happy to welcome all of the Cougar Family back to campus and encourage you to visit us as part of your celebrations.  Eat ‘Em Up, Coogs!