MaddyCat ([info]maddycat) wrote,
2005-07-19 21:13:00
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  • Mood: determined

GUESS WHO APPLIED FOR GRAD SCHOOL TODAY?!??? .... ME!!!



The mascot of the University of Houston has been a Cougar since 1927. The mascot was selected by our then Professor John W. Bender. During his tenure at Washington State, he became fond of the WSU mascot (a cougar). When he arrived here, the students were looking for a name for the student newspapers (the school's first extracurricular activity). He suggested that they call the newspaper the Cougar because of the grace, power and pride that the Cougar embodies. The name was unanimously agreed upon. From that time on all University of Houston student groups and activities have been associated with Cougars.

Shasta is the name of the very first cougar that ever represented the University of Houston. The name was chosen from the Alpha Phi Omega's "Name the Mascot" competition in the Daily Cougar. The winning entry was from then student Joe Randol.
(In case you don't know, "Shasta" was the name of my kitty who died in the fire)

Originally a live cougar, Shasta I was purchased by Alpha Phi Omega (APO) in 1947 from a wild animal rancher, Manuel King. The cougar, a 75-pound, 15-month old Mexican puma became entrenched in campus lore on Oct. 17, 1947 when it made its way from Brownsville, Texas to a small airport in Houston. Shasta served as the "Grand Marshall" at the University's homecoming celebration, which began that day. The five Shastas all had their individual legacies:

1. Shasta I held the post the longest, from 1947 to 1962, when she was retired.

2. Shasta II's reign was the shortest because of an unruly attitude and was the first cougar to reside in Shasta's Den, a small cage located in the southeast corner of Lynn Eusan Park. She served from '62-'65.

3. Shasta III, a.k.a. "The Lady" served from 1965-1977. Incidentally, she may have been the most famous. "The Lady" was featured in commercial spots for American Motors before illnesses forced her retirement.

4. Shasta IV, a.k.a. "Baby Shasta" claimed the post when she was just 11 weeks old. However, when "Baby" grew up, the Cougar Guard could not control her. So, "Baby Shasta" retired in 1980 at the ripe old age of 3.

5. Shasta V, the final live cougar, was mascot for nine years before she was put to sleep because of kidney failure.

Shasta I & Shasta II reside at the Herman Park Zoo in Houston Texas.


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  • 18 comments

[info]lian_croftshaw

July 20 2005, 02:22:50 UTC 6 years ago

That is awesome! Congratulations. You're inspiring, Miss Maddy.

[info]maddycat

July 20 2005, 02:47:34 UTC 6 years ago

Thank you Mam!!
I'm SO excited!
I probably won't be able to enroll until next Spring because I have to take (and pass) the GRE exam, but at least things are under way! I've been wanting to start my Masters FOREVER.

The GRE is an extremely difficult exam to pass, and it costs about $150 to take it. Most people begin prepping for it about 6 months in advance. I better start soon!!!
(I have the "Preparing For The GRE" book ordered now :-)

[info]harley1456

July 20 2005, 03:10:42 UTC 6 years ago

Back in the old days, when I took the GRE, if you were on finacial aid you could take it for free. I don't know how things work these days BUT if you apply for aid, and get it, then you might be able to take the test for free. Worth asking someone about anyway....

[info]thehellkitty

July 20 2005, 06:15:00 UTC 6 years ago

Back in the old days, we had to wear burlap for shoes ties with corn husks and walked 10 miles in the snow to work for a dollar....

Heehee.
Sorry, I couldn't help it.

[info]harley1456

July 20 2005, 12:16:27 UTC 6 years ago

HA HA

[info]bluesdragon

July 20 2005, 03:06:03 UTC 6 years ago

what a beautiful kitty picture. :)

good luck with the school stuff! what will your master be?

:)

[info]maddycat

July 20 2005, 03:09:01 UTC 6 years ago

Criminal psychology

[info]bluesdragon

July 20 2005, 04:02:31 UTC 6 years ago

heh, i shoulda known. :) well, good luck still!

[info]bleachedoyster

July 20 2005, 10:54:25 UTC 6 years ago

wow so this is just like dating for you.

[info]maddycat

July 20 2005, 16:43:47 UTC 6 years ago

Pretty much, yeah.

[info]unknown_bastard

July 20 2005, 03:25:36 UTC 6 years ago

Now that intersting.....

congrats on that doll.

[info]maddycat

July 20 2005, 03:40:39 UTC 6 years ago

Shasta was the name of my cat who died in the fire.
:-(

[info]unknown_bastard

July 20 2005, 03:55:48 UTC 6 years ago

I remember reading that (or you telling me). Think of it as a good sign that your gonna get in!

[info]maddycat

July 20 2005, 03:59:16 UTC 6 years ago

There is NO doubt in my mind that I will "get in". It's never even crossed my mind.

[info]gear_mo

July 20 2005, 07:33:29 UTC 6 years ago

yup

i've been talking to sandra about getting back in school. i think you meant GRADE school short busssss!! hehee. j/k

[info]dark_tobin

July 20 2005, 13:20:45 UTC 6 years ago

wow...rock on girl!

[info]squishybear

July 20 2005, 14:15:08 UTC 6 years ago

Wow! That is awesome.


Hell, I still say awesome ... I must be a square. :-P

[info]misslaurapalmer

July 20 2005, 16:42:14 UTC 6 years ago

Good for you, girlie!

Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you prepare for the test.

I always wondered if that's where Shasta's name came from.
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