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| Title | Houstonian, 1990 |
| Contributor (LCNAF) |
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| Date | 1990 |
| Description | This edition of the Houstonian, published by the students of the university in 1990, is the official yearbook of the University of Houston. |
| Subject.Topical (LCSH) |
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| Subject.Name (LCNAF) |
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| Subject.Geographic (TGN) |
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| Genre (AAT) |
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| Language | English |
| Type (DCMI) |
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| Original Item Location | LD2281.H745 H6 v. 56 1990 |
| Original Item URL | http://library.uh.edu/record=b1158762~S11 |
| Digital Collection | Houstonian Yearbook Collection |
| Digital Collection URL | http://digital.lib.uh.edu/collection/yearb |
| Repository | Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries |
| Repository URL | http://info.lib.uh.edu/about/campus-libraries-collections/special-collections |
| Use and Reproduction | In Copyright |
| File Name | index.cpd |
| Title | Issues |
| Format (IMT) |
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| File Name | yearb_1990_032.jpg |
| Transcript | UH Tradition Dies Magner rules against live mascots The University of Houston lost two cougars in 1989 — one when Shasta V died in May and the other when UH Interim President Dr. George Magner extinguished the 42- year-old tradition of housing a live mascot on campus. "I have major concerns about keeping a wild animal on campus and taking it to school functions," Magner said in October. "I am concerned about any liability the school would incur if someone was injured." The fateful decision occurred following Shasta V's death, when controversy dogged the issue of acquiring another live mascot. The UH Alumni Association favored replacement of Shasta V, basing its argument on preserving school spirit and tradition, while the UH Faculty Senate cited school finances and animal rights as key issues. Magner said he would not approve the purchase of a new cougar unless it were housed in a new cage. In order to allow students to voice their opinions on the issue, the Students' Association held a non- binding referendum election in September. The referendum offered four ballot options: (1) I favor the immediate replacement of a live cougar. (2) I do not favor the replacement of a live cougar. (3) I favor the acquisition of a replacement cougar when 75% of the projected cost ($65,000) is raised to build a new facility. (4) I favor the sponsorship of a cougar with appropriate recognition to be housed at the Houston Zoo. I understand that the cougar will not attend any university activities. Results of the Shasta referendum indicated that the majority of students (698 of the 2,090 ballots cast) favored acquisition of a replacement cougar, if enough money could be raised to build a new cage. In making his decision, Magner said he considered the results of the referendum, the opinions of the faculty and alumni, and information on injuries caused by past cougars. He said he would not reverse his decision, but said future UH presidents might conceivably restore the 42-year-old tradition. He said UH needed to find ways to "symbolically capture the spirit oi Shasta without actually having her on campus." To that end, the Cougar Guard, the organization in charge of caring foi the mascots, said they would establish a memorial by burying the cremated ashes of Shastas III and V on campus. SA President Mikal Belicove, however, reasoned a step further, proposing in jest that the school change its name from the Houston Cougars to the Houston Commuters and make a Metro Bus "with lots of black smoke pouring out of it" the new mascot. "Our Interim President had no business tampering with a 42-year- tradition," Belicove said. "Student opinion being trampled upon by the administration is something for which none of us should stand." -Ed Huber 34 RER$TAPE |