2nd annual UHCL Spirit Week offers celebration of school pride

It will not be business as usual for the next week at UHCL. Spirit Week 2015 has arrived. Expect green and blue decorations, hawks adorning windows and doorways, and special events all around campus.

Each day, starting Oct. 12 and running through Oct. 17, will hold a new experience for students.

Monday there is a Grad Fest in Atrium II, 12-7 p.m., where caps and gowns will be available to try on, and other vendors will be present to offer items related to graduation and the ceremony. A Grad Cap decorating session, 2-5 p.m. in Atrium II, is a time for upcoming grads to get creative and decorate their caps with crafts. Administrators have approved the personalized caps for the graduation ceremony, with some restrictions.

Tuesday, Campus RECess will be held on the North lawn, 3-6 p.m, with classic field day events. Afterward, stick around for the Faculty/Staff vs. Students Kickball Game at Delta Field, 6:30p.m.

In years past, the Faculty & Staff vs. Students Kickball Game has stirred up a lively rivalry between staff and students.

“I believe it is so popular because it gives the students a chance to see a competitive side of professors and staff here,” said Jacob Crawford, coordinator of campus recreation. “Who doesn’t love some competition?”

Wednesday is I HEART UHCL! Day in Atrium II, 2-6 p.m., a variety of campus organizations will have booths and activities.

Thursday is Breakfast for Dinner, a free breakfast for students in Atrium II, 4-6 p.m.

Friday is UHCL CARES Day, a service project opportunity in the Alumni Plaza, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Friday Night Lights Dance, free for students with music provided by a DJ, will be held in the Bayou Garden Room, 7-10 p.m.

For those looking for something more formal, the Alumni Celebration at Space Center Houston is an opportunity for students to mingle with administrators and faculty and accomplished UHCL alumni who will be honored at the event.

UHCL Alumni Celebration at Space Center Houston will be held Saturday, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Students will receive discounted tickets for $50; regular tickets are $65.

“This is an opportunity to get dressed up and go out with your friends,” said Kris Thompson, senior coordinator of alumni & community relations. “It gives students a chance to network, a chance meet folks.”

Departments and offices have decorated their windows, doors and offices to show their love and appreciation for UHCL, and for the sake of a little friendly competition. This year, in addition to the juried winners, there will be a popular winner voted on by students.

During I HEART UHCL Day! winners of the most spirited costume contest will be announced. The entire UHCL community was encouraged to compete for the most spirited individual or group. Students can still vote online until Tuesday.

I HEART UHCL Day! started in 2009 by the Student Life Office as a way for students, faculty and staff to show their school pride.

“For me, it gives students on campus a variety of activities to build that sense of connection and camaraderie with fellow students,” said Patrick Cardenas, coordinator of student life & student organizations.

Cardenas has been at the helm of what is now Spirit Week – in its current form – since 2014 when he organized a committee to expand the one-day celebration.

His aspirations for Spirit Week are long-term in scope, in the hopes of growing with the university.

“I see it as a launching pad for that sense of community, connection and love for their [students’] institution,” Cardenas said.

With all of the events on campus, and the awards dinner at Space Center Houston, Spirit Week offers something for everyone looking to get involved with their university.

View the map and schedule of events for Spirit Week 2015.