The Beloit College Mindset List, a must-read for anyone who wants to feel time quickly slipping away, was recently published for the incoming collegiate freshman class, the majority of which were born in that magical year of 1997 (?!). While it might make some of us feel just a little bit older, the list is worth a read and always provides some eye-opening perspective.
Ron Nief, Tom McBride, and Charles Westerberg (the creators of the list) provide some real marvels, reminding us that, “Among those who have never been alive in their lifetimes are Princess Diana, Notorious B.I.G., Jacques Cousteau, and Mother Teresa.” They came into the world around the same time as Dolly the sheep and Michael “Prince” Jackson, Jr. In addition, these young’uns have never licked a postage stamp (#3) and, frankly, it can get a little confusing when old people say, “around the turn of the century” (#17). The one that makes these old bones ache a little more this evening? “The eyes of Texas have never looked upon The Houston Oilers.” (#26)
In a salute to the University of Houston Cougars Class of 2019, we have gone digging through the archives and share with you a few highlights from the year 1997 housed here at your University of Houston Special Collections.
And, no, we’re not trying just to make you feel old.
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- In 1997 UH celebrated its 70th anniversary, visualized here on the cover of the Houstonian. “That was then… this is now.” (Houstonian Yearbook Collection)
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- Rebel With A Cause: The 1997 Houstonian explores the rising popularity of tattoos among students. (Houstonian Yearbook Collection)
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- Featured in the 1997 Houstonian is the 1996 Cougar Football team. Playing most of their home games in the ol’ Astrodome, the Coogs finished the season 7-5, winning a share of the C-USA title, and earning a Liberty Bowl berth. In 1997, however, the team finished a disappointing 3-8. (Houstonian Yearbook Collection)
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- Dr. Arthur K. Smith became the sixth Chancellor of the University of Houston System and the 11th president of the University of Houston on April 1, 1997. He was the first to hold the titles of chancellor and president simultaneously. (UH Photographs Collection)
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- The Daily Cougar welcomed students back with news of a new “OneCard” allowing students “to make purchases without cash at almost any university retail outlet.”
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- The WNBA debuted in 1997 and the Houston Comets would go on to win the first of three straight championships. (Houston Comets Memorabilia Collection)
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- Bling-bling! Pen & Pixel Graphics captured the aesthetic of 1997 in album and promotional artwork. (Pen & Pixel Graphics, Inc. Records)
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- The Houston Area Women’s Center celebrated their 20 year anniversary in 1997. (Houston Area Women’s Center Photographs)
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- The Houston Gorilla Girls opened “Veronamerica” in Italy, December 1997. (Houston Gorilla Girls)
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- In 1997 Annise Parker won a runoff election for Houston City Council At-Large position 1, becoming Houston’s first openly gay elected official. (Annise Parker Papers)
