August 24, 2004

President Jay Gogue greets Gerald Monroe, a junior, during Cougar First Impressions. Photo by Thomas Shea

University of Houston students weren’t shy about expressing their gratitude to Cougar First Impressions (CFI) volunteers who directed them to classes on the first day of the fall semester, Aug. 23.

“I love what you guys do!” exclaimed a male student rushing off to class. “You guys are awesome!”

He had just received directions to Melcher Hall from staff volunteers at the CFI table in the Hoffman Hall breezeway.

This was a typical scene on Monday, as CFI volunteers provided UH students with campus maps, bottled water, parking permit applications, newspapers and other items to help them start the semester.

CFI also is scheduled to assist students on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

This is the seventh time CFI welcomes students to UH and the first time President Jay Gogue participated in the event, meeting students in the Hoffman Hall breezeway.

“This is a very special way to begin the semester,” Gogue said. “Cougar First Impressions reflects our deep concern for our students. I appreciate each staff member who took the time to volunteer for this event.”

Like Gogue, many staff members were first-time volunteers. Angela Lawhorn, secretary in the Department of Learning and Assessment Services, was pleasantly surprised at the number of students visiting her station between the Ezekiel Cullen and the Student Services buildings.

“I’ve helped out about 20 people, and I’ve only been here since 9 a.m.,” said Lawhorn pointing to her watch, which read 9:30 a.m. “Just about everyone who’s walking by is stopping to ask us questions.”

Helping Lawhorn was Gail Gillan, director of the Wellness Center, who has volunteered for the past three years.

“I like working the early shift,” Gillan said. “I like seeing the students come to campus for the first time and arrive early to find their classes. New students will usually already have their maps out to find their classes while returning students have come to expect CFI, so they’ll be on the lookout for our tables.”

One student who received directions from Lawhorn and Gillan was freshman Lindsey Brown, who immediately admitted a lack of familiarity with the campus.

“I don’t know where I’m going,” she said. “I need this kind of help pretty badly and, luckily, I have it.”

Other students concurred with Jones’ appreciation of CFI, but were impressed with the overall comfort level provided by UH.

Gaston Paluku Katacha, a native of Zaire, came to UH from California. Now in his second semester, he was pleased to see so many volunteers helping students, but his appreciation for the university extends beyond the helpful staff members.

“They got me to my class on time. That’s cool,” he said. “That’s one of the things I like about UH, but I also like that it’s more diverse than other universities. It really feels like home.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu