January 15, 2025

Student Centers Celebrates 10 Years

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Student Centers marked a significant milestone—celebrating a decade of serving the campus community since their extensive renovation and reopening in 2015. The event, which drew over 500 participants, offered an exciting day filled with fun activities, giveaways, and a strong sense of campus unity.

The theme of the event reflected the Student Centers' community, with special focus on the various services available to students throughout the decade. One of the main highlights of the celebration was a beautiful cake, designed to resemble both the Student Centers South and North buildings, symbolizing their architectural significance to the University of Houston campus. Guests gathered around to admire the edible masterpiece, commemorating the transformation of these key student spaces.

“The Student Centers is the heart and living room of the campus, providing a central hub for student life. They serve as spaces where students can relax, socialize, study, and connect with each other.” said Eve Esch, the executive director of the Student Centers. “The Student Centers is an essential part of campus life and to the broader Cougar Community.”

As part of the celebration, 10 interactive booths were set up, each representing a different feature of the Student Centers. Students had the chance to learn more about the wide array of resources available, including the popular Games Room, CreationStation, and the savings focused Coog$ave initiative. These stations not only showcased the variety of offerings within the centers, but they also served as hubs for fun activities and engaging interactions.

One of the biggest draws of the event was the array of free goodies and snacks provided to attendees. Free commemorative t-shirts, croc charms, and straw toppers were handed out at the CreationStation booth, allowing guests to walk away with a keepsake from the celebration. Attendees were also treated to either a complimentary cupcake or slice of the anniversary cake.

The Student Centers’ 10th-anniversary celebration wouldn’t have been complete without the appearance of the beloved University of Houston mascots, Shasta and Sasha. The dynamic duo arrived mid-afternoon to join in the excitement, posing for photos with students, sharing laughs, and even participating in the fun by distributing t-shirts into the crowd with a t-shirt cannon. The mascots’ energy added an extra layer of excitement to the event, creating a lively atmosphere that was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

“The 10-year celebration made me feel even more connected to my CreationStation family and gave me a deeper sense of belonging within the entire UH community.” said Andrea Valencia, a graphic designer at CreationStation.

As the celebration continued, students, staff, and faculty all came together to reflect on the past ten years, recognizing the growth and impact of the Student Centers on the campus community. The event served as both a look back at the milestones achieved and an opportunity to look forward to the future of these vital student spaces. To commemorate student success, a time capsule was put on display, where attendees could share their favorite memories of the Student Center and any advice for students in 2035 when the time capsule will be opened.

The 10-year anniversary of the Student Centers was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the importance of providing dynamic spaces where students can gather, study, relax, and connect with each other. As the event concluded, attendees were filled with a sense of pride, knowing that the Student Centers would continue to be a cornerstone of campus life for generations of students to come.

November 8, 2024

Student Centers Welcomes Aunt Flow

The Student Centers introduced Aunt Flow products to the restrooms at the end of October 2024 to improve sustainability and provide better services for those in need of menstrual products. Aunt Flow is a company that focuses on menstrual health and hygiene products, offering a range of organic cotton menstrual products, including pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. The company is known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, often emphasizing eco-friendly practices and providing products that are free from harmful chemicals. Aunt Flow also aims to break the stigma around menstruation and promote conversations about menstrual health.

The Executive Director of the Student Centers, Eve Esch, saw Aunt Flow products at another university and wanted to bring them to the Student Centers buildings. The former stainless-steel machines in women's restrooms were frequently breaking down and parts were hard to obtain. However, with Aunt Flow machines, it is much easier to obtain replaceable parts and the products the company carries are better suited for the environment, being biodegradable and made from organic cotton.

“It’s been shown that potential students often make their decision about attending a university within the first fifteen minutes of visiting, and restrooms are known to give a big impression,” shared Beverly Thom, Facilities Manager at the Student Centers. “Hopefully these new units will give the impression that we care about our students and choosing a product that promotes sustainability.”

Seventeen dispensers have been installed throughout the Student Centers restrooms and are available for free to everyone. Aunt Flow’s belief is, “...If toilet paper is offered for free, then period products should be as well,” highlighting the importance of free period products and fighting against the social stigma around menstruation.

Sharing her excitement, Esch said, “We are excited to have the new Aunt Flow dispensers around the Student Centers, especially since the products are more environmentally friendly.”

The introduction of Aunt Flow products to the Student Centers marks a significant step toward enhancing menstrual health and promoting sustainability on campus. By replacing outdated dispensers with modern units that offer eco-friendly menstrual products, the Student Centers not only address practical needs, but also fosters a culture of awareness and support for the UH community.

If you would like to learn more about Aunt Flow at the Student Centers, please contact Eve Esch at emesch@central.uh.edu. To learn more about Aunt Flow and their initiative, visit them at goauntflow.com.

October 8, 2024

Fall Fun at the Student Centers 

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Student Centers South transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and community spirit during the annual Fall Fest event held on the Student Centers Plaza. This lively event provided students a much-needed respite from midterm stress, featuring a variety of engaging activities such as woodblock painting, henna tattooing, and several photo opportunities. With lively music from Coog Radio and delicious kolaches and donuts, attendees enjoyed a fun-filled day of relaxation and fun.

Erin Woods, the Assistant Director of Creation Station and Marketing at the Student Centers, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The annual Fall Fest event is a great way for students to come unwind from the stress of the semester. The goal of our events is mainly to have fun, but this year, in partnership with the Cougar Cupboard, we included a giving component to add some more meaning and bring awareness to food insecurity. I hope the students enjoyed themselves, and I look forward to hosting future events like the I ❤ My Student Center event in February.”

One of the highlights of Fall Fest was the woodblock painting station, where students showcased their artistic talents. Tents set up in the plaza offered shade as participants painted and enjoyed free food at the same time. Another crowd favorite was the henna tattoo booth, where students eagerly lined up to adorn their hands with intricate designs using a natural dye derived from henna leaves.

 As Woods mentioned, attendees also had the chance to contribute to the Cougar Cupboard by donating non-perishable food items. By the event's conclusion, the Cougar Cupboard successfully collected several pounds of donations, significantly benefiting those in need within the campus community.

“Fall Fest is one of my favorite events since it allows us to provide a fun break during mid-terms for students.” shared Eve Esch, the Executive Director of Student Centers. “We were excited to have over 500 students participate and that we had another opportunity to use our big inflatable red chair.”

The University of Houston community came together, as always. This event not only strengthened connections among students but also underscored the importance of giving back.

For more information on events happening at the Student Centers, please contact Erin Woods at ewoods4@central.uh.edu. For more information on Cougar Cupboard, please refer to the Cougar Cupboard website.

September 25, 2024

Student Center Games Room Hosts Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the Games Room on the basement level of the Student Center South was filled with excitement as students gathered for a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. The event attracted 31 participants, the largest turnout by far. The tournament was not just a test of poker skill, but also a social event that brought the UH community together for a night of fun and competition. 

The tournament followed a no-limit Texas Hold ‘Em format, with players starting with a set number of chips. As the night went on, blinds increased at regular intervals, raising the stakes and pushing players to make bold moves. The structure was a single-elimination format, meaning players had to be sharp, as one mistake could send them packing. Those who lost early had the chance to cheer on their friends in the meantime. 

As the tournament progressed, the competition heated up, and there were several intense showdowns. One of the most memorable moments of the night occurred when two players wiped out their respective tables, earning a large amount of chips before joining the final table. 

In a dramatic showdown, Axl Erazo went all in in the last match, bluffing the last player and taking home the victory and the grand prize: a $50 gift card and a championship T-shirt. “I loved it. Everyone was very organized and respectful,” shared Erazo, the 1st place winner of the tournament. “The players were friendly with each other and guided you if you needed help. Everyone was fair and no one tried to cheat.”  

The event was a success not only in terms of participation, but also in fostering a sense of community. "It was a great event. Everyone was respectful,” said Thomas Mohwinkel, the Program Manager in the Student Center South Games Room. “I like to encourage all UH students to come out. It’s a free tournament and you don’t have to be a pro to have a good time.” 

This tournament was a great opportunity for experienced players to show off their skills and for inexperienced players to get the hang of a real poker tournament. In the end, the tournament was not just about poker – it was about coming together to share in the excitement, challenge each other, and enjoy a night of fun.  

The next tournament will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in the Student Center South Games Room. The event will be a Chess Tournament and will be open and free to all UH students with a UH ID. The next Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament will be on October 23, 2024. To register for any of these events, please follow this link. For more information on the Student Center Games Room, please contact Thomas Mohwinkel at tamohwinkel@central.uh.edu.  

September 18, 2024

CreationStation Shines in Bright the Student Centers

CreationStation is a small office lying on the basement floor of the Student Center South. Walking in, you’ll hear the noise of machine production and the chatter of student workers discussing the latest project. The office is buzzing with life and passion as the team works together to create unique designs for the University of Houston community and the public.

"Here at CreationStation, as a full-time employee, I get the opportunity not to manage students, but to instead mentor them to being a better version of themselves for their future careers. It gives me so much joy to be able to go to them and ask them about their progress, which then also leads to them asking for advice and feedback on whatever they are working on.” voiced Miguel Gutierrez, Graphic Designer II of CreationStation. “I am a firm believer that critique and feedback play a huge role in how a student is shaped and becomes fonder of what they do. I say this because that's my experience - every bit of advice during my college years, not only from my professor but also from my peers, gave me the hope and the will to push forward and be who I am today. I know I don't have a teaching background, but wow, when helping the students out, it kind of shapes my future a little bit too."

As a team of six students consisting of graphic design, digital media, and art majors, they are responsible for 90% of the designs around the Student Center and campus. From running projects with student organizations to working with companies outside the university, this small family wouldn’t function without one another. Such projects include designing buttons, t-shirts, and large-scale posters for big UH events, such as Homecoming and the annual Frontier Fiesta. The goal of CreationStation is to not only share their passion and work, but also create an environment where students feel represented and seen. This can be shown in the posters pinned to bulletin boards, the walls decked with a myriad of spirited messages, and the seemingly simple yard signs posted around campus.

“Working at CreationStation has taught me so much about how multifaceted working as a designer can be. It’s not only about creating graphics,” stated Madison Galves, a student worker at CreationStation. “It’s also about communicating and forming relationships with clients, being able to come up with solutions on the fly when dealing with print production and knowing how to successfully bring a concept into reality. These aspects help me feel more prepared for the future.”

While CreationStation is a student-led, multi-service center, they act less like a team and more like a family. They are a community of hard-working students and staff who don’t hesitate to help each other out and can communicate and collaborate on big projects. This teamwork and dedication to their craft has earned them the Outstanding Marketing and Communications Award in Spring of 2024, a sign of recognition for their efficiency and being able to satisfy their customers. This award is received by those who “demonstrated a commitment to utilizing marketing and/or communications to support student success at the University of Houston”, and recipients serve as role models for the Division of Student Affairs.

"CreationStation has been an invaluable experience for many students, including myself as a graphic design major. It has significantly prepared me for the graphic design workforce beyond university,” said Naisha Khimani, a junior graphic design student worker. “I deeply respect my managers at CreationStation and the Student Centers staff, seeing them not just as peers but as mentors due to the exceptional learning opportunities they provide."

For more information on CreationStation and requesting a project, please contact creationstation@uh.edu or refer to this request form. For other information on CreationStation, please contact Assistant Director of Marketing and CreationStation, Erin Woods at ewoods4@cougarnet.uh.edu.

September 11, 2024

Student Centers Host Several Events for Weeks of Welcome

The UH Division of Student Life hosted several events at the Student Centers during the Weeks of Welcome to help students rekindle the Cougar spirit, such as the Student Centers Welcome Back, CougarCon, Cat’s Back, and Shasta’s Open House. These events featured various activities to rekindle the spirit of UH and offered many free food and raffle prizes.

The Student Centers Welcome Back was an opportunity to discover the different services provided by the Student Center, incentivized through stamp cards that needed to be stamped in the five different locations that the Student Centers provide, which helped students familiarize themselves with the staff and the services offered. 

CougarCon, which happened later the same day, is an annual convention that features anime, cosplay competitions, board game and video game stations, and different student vendors ranging from UH organizations to artists selling their work. The organizations stationed at CougarCon helped students find their interests, and the diversity of student vendors gave them an abundance of options to browse. 

Cat’s Back was a two-day event that welcomed new and returning students to different organizations with various interests and hobbies that every student could enjoy. Along with free food, students could participate in various activities, win prizes, make new friends, or get to know students of the same major or organization. 

“I was excited to see a bunch of new and familiar faces when I tabled at Cat’s Back. It felt great to share about the exciting events my org. had planned, and people are showing so much excitement for it.” said Angelo Dulce, a student and member of InterVarsity.

Lastly, Shasta’s Open House was another two-day event that allowed students to travel through the campus, discover dozens of departments and colleges, and obtain freebies. With the objective being to visit as many stops as possible, many students were able to get more prizes the more they traveled the UH campus. This event was an opportunity for new students to become familiar with the campus and discover new and hidden locations for those returning for another year.

Along with these events, the Weeks of Welcome hosted many other events to help bring in the Cougar spirit as classes began. Some of these events included Party in the Park, Glow Party, Cage Rage, Cultural Taste of Houston, Rec Fest, and many more. Cage Rage in particular has always been popular among students, as it includes music (this year from DJ Yobi Yobz), games, selfie stations, and much more. Many students enjoy this event for its UH Spirit and the UH Football team.

“I liked the atmosphere when I was at the Glow Party,” said Salvador Gonzales, a junior student at UH. “You could only see others by the light reflection of the glow sticks. Very demure.”

Harris County Student Art Displayed in Student Centers

In late April of 2024, the University of Houston Student Centers partnered with the Harris County Department of Education to display high school students art.

“Harris County Department of Education is a unique, educational entity that serves school districts, government agencies, nonprofits, and the public in the third-largest county in the U.S,” said Katona Meyers, Events Specialist for Harris County.

With several different mediums on display, the art was exhibited on the first floor of the Student Center south and viewers had the option to scan a QR code for more information on how to purchase their favorite piece.

“For 100 years, the Awards, presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, have identified the early promise of some of our nation’s most accomplished visionaries and encouraged young artists and writers to pursue a variety of creative career paths and endeavors,” Meyers continued. “In 2021, students across America entered nearly 230,000 original works in 28 different categories of art and writing.”

For more information about this display and the Student Centers Art Board, please contact Eve Esch, Executive Director of the Student Centers, at emesch@central.uh.edu.

May 20, 2024

SEC Student Union Directors Meet at UH

The University of Houston Student Centers were excited to host staff from several Southeastern Conference (SEC) universities for a visit to campus May 19 – 21, 2024. The staff members in attendance mainly work in student centers and student unions, and get together annually to discuss best practices, relevant regional updates and have strategic conversations about addressing current & future issues in the field. Schools represented this year were: University of Arkansas, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Missouri, University of South Carolina, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Texas and Texas A&M University.

“It was an honor to host colleagues from so many other schools and showcase all the wonderful things about the University of Houston,” said Eve Esch, executive director of UH Student Centers. The visitors stayed at the Hilton hotel on campus and met in the Student Center South. They also had the opportunity to enjoy some of Houston’s wonderful cuisine.

“The University of Houston staff were such great hosts to showcase their campus and city. We are so thankful for their time and support as we work collectively to identify ways to improve student success on our own campuses,” said Dwayne Isaacs, senior director of the Reitz Union at the University of Florida.

April 26, 2024

University of Houston Celebrates Earth Week

The University of Houston hosted several campus events to celebrate Earth Week (April 22 - 26). Several departments, including the Student Centers, came together to make this week a success. A new university goal is to improve awareness of sustainability and educate the community on efforts to use our resources more responsibly.  

Earth Week events included a plate waste audit, a lunch and learn, an e-waste drive, plus several others. Student, faculty, and staff participation was highly encouraged.

“I recognize sustainability in almost every part of our daily lives, and I am hoping our Earth Week Events reflected that,” said sustainability coordinator Beatrix Madersbacher Edie. “We partnered with student organizations and multiple staff partners to create events that students feel a connection to (Student Center, UH Dining, Center for Student Empowerment, UH Horticulture Society). Our office goal was to inform students of the university's efforts and invite them to participate with thoughts on what they find important and what we can potentially look at.”

During the plate waste audit, 204.9 pounds of food waste was collected in Cougar Woods Dining Commons over a 3-hour period. Zero Waste Houston, UH Dining Services’ compost provider, will turn the waste into 67 pounds of compost which will stop 530 pounds of CO2 from entering the Earth’s atmosphere. The e-waste drive called for old electronics and wires to be recycled. Two pallets of e-waste was collected.

The Sustainability Lunch and Learn on Monday, April 22, was the last of a semester-long program conducted by Eve Esch, the Student Centers executive director. These lunch and learns bring farmers, educators, and activists to the Multipurpose Room of the Student Center South for a presentation around their respective sustainability initiatives. For Earth Week, Esch invited a UH Downtown alumni to discuss the importance of microgreens.

“I enjoyed learning about the nutritional benefits of microgreens and the hydroponic systems they use for growing their greens,” said Bridget Portier, associate director of the Student Centers. “They grow all of the greens indoors in a controlled environment where they can use minimal water.  They also sell microgreen growing kits, which I am considering purchasing to grow my own microgreens in my kitchen.”

In addition to the Earth Week events, the University of Houston has an official Office of Sustainability and a Campus Sustainability Committee that works year-round. For more information on the Office of Sustainability, please contact Beatrix Madersbacher Eide at blmaders@central.uh.edu. For more information on the Campus Sustainability Committee, please contact Eve Esch at emesch@central.uh.edu.

March 28, 2024

UH Student Recognized at Annual Conference 

Sarah Khan of Kolkata, India, a junior journalism major and marketing minor at University of Houston has been awarded the 2024 C. Richard Scott Memorial Scholarship by the ACUI Awards Committee.

"I’m so grateful to the Student Centers and the Center for Student Involvement for providing me such amazing opportunities to learn and grow in this field,” Kahn said. “From my first UH award at Campus Leaders Awards Ceremony to my first National award it’s been a long journey and none of it would have been possible without their love and support."

The C. Richard Scott Memorial Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students that take on leadership and involvement duties on their campus. Recipients will be able to participate in an ACUI-sponsored educational activity to network with mentors and peers, learn more about the profession, and take part in leadership and community development activities.

In addition to her studies at University of Houston, Khan serves as the director of the Council for Cultural Affairs and chair of the Student Center Policy Board.

After graduation from the University of Houston, Khan hopes to pursue a career in Student Affairs or her master’s degree in higher education.

For more information on this award and ACUI, contact Eve Esch, Executive Director of the Student Centers, at emesch@central.uh.edu.

February 7, 2024

I Heart My Student Centers

On February 7, the Student Centers welcomed over 290 students to the Ballroom for the annual I Heart My Student Centers celebration! Students enjoyed several Valentine's Day themed activities like make-your-own Valentine's Day cards designed by Creation Station, and personalized, heart-shaped keychains from the vendor Art and Fun. The Center for Student Media provided a DJ and there was dancing throughout the afternoon. Staff members came together with smiles on their faces to volunteer and provide a fun atmosphere for the event. 

For more information on Student Centers events, please contact Erin Woods, Assistant Director of Marketing, at ewoods4@central.uh.edu.

September 29, 2023

Sustainability Lunch and Learn

The Student Centers hosted their first Lunch and Learn of the semester on Thursday, September 28 in the Student Center South Multipurpose Room. The featured guest was Jessica Haney with the Cougar Cupboard, and a farm-to-table lunch from The Dish Society was provided.

The Cougar Cupboard, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, addresses the food needs of students and works to combat food insecurity by providing a service that acts like a grocery store. Enrolled students can receive up to 30 pounds of groceries every week. Good nutrition is an important key to academic success and the University of Houston wants students to be successful.

“I’m really glad there’s more awareness around food insecurity” said Jessica Haney, program manager of the Cougar Cupboard. “Having this program at the university helps students get their education and improve their financial station. There aren’t a lot of requirements or qualifications to join this program and that’s important to us because that can reduce access. Our only requirement is to be a current UH student and then enroll into the Cougar Cupboard program.”

Food distributions are every Friday this fall semester from 10:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at the Student Center South Circle Drive, by appointment only. A new, larger space in the Lofts is anticipated to open in the spring and their hope is to provide daily services.

If you would like to donate to the Cougar Cupboard, please text "Cupboard" to 71-777. For more information, email uhcupbrd@cougarnet.uh.edu and visit the Center for Student Advocacy and Community website at uh.edu/csac.

The next Student Center Sustainability Lunch and Learn will be at noon on October 24 in the Multipurpose Room.