UC Safe Spring Break 2011 

The beaches and rivers are heating up in anticipation for Spring Break 2011. The University Center would like students to not only enjoy their break, but to also return safe and sound. To promote a safe spring break, the University Center will host its annual spring break event, themed this year as Peace, Love and Pride.

This event will be held on Wednesday, March 9^th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. in and around the University Center. In collaboration with other departments and student groups around campus, this event will feature a wide variety of activities.

Festivities will range from customizable giveaways including Tie Dying UC tote bags and t-shirts while supplies last, SPB's  Just Dance video game contest", Frisbee Bowling featuring Free UC Frisbees and much more. Free Skin Cancer screenings by M.D. Anderson and blood drive presented by UH Wellness Center (UHWC).

Additionally, FREE Cookies and Brownies will be provided, and dollar cones will be available all day at Shasta's Cones. Don't miss all the fun. For additional information about Safe Spring Break, please contact Xavier Livingston at  xlivings@central.uh.edu or call 832-842-6169  

The University Centers Presents..21 Questions

Beginning March 8th through April 15th, the University Centers will introduce a virtual Scavenger Hunt as part of its event, University Centers'"21 Questions". This event will use the SCVNGR texting platform, which initiates participation by having students text in to enter, then receive questions, and text back answers to move on to the next question. This challenge requires student's feet and thumbs to move while learning more about the different amenities and resources offered by the University Centers. To begin the hunt, students will text a special code, which will be released on March 8th, at www.uh.edu/uc and posted around campus.

Once students begin playing, they may participate at their own pace, taking one day or a few weeks to finish.  However, those who finish quickly will be rewarded, the first hundred finishers will receive a FREE "I <3 UC" t-shirt. After event closes, those who finished all of the University Centers' "21 Questions" will be entered into drawings for larger prizes. The prizes include a $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card, an Amazon Kindle, and an I-Pad.

For more information about the University Centers' "21 Questions" email Xavier Livingston at xlivings@central.uh.edu or call 832-842-6169.

Last month's Fraternity and Sorority Institute was a huge success. This year there were 62 participates from 23 different fraternity and sororities from four different councils. The highlight of the event was the portion of the activity called "The Great Debate Challenge". Institute participants contemplated and debated the role and relevancy of fraternity and sorority life at the University of Houston.                                                 

This month, the sororities and fraternities of CLFSL are supporting UH tradition by participating in Frontier Fiesta in a variety of ways. Many are creating new and exciting carnival booths. Others are showcasing their creativity and talent through Frontier Fiesta's Variety Shows and partnering with organizations from other councils. During the Variety Shows, members entertain visitors of Fiesta City with dances, songs, skits, and Greek enthusiasm.  Additionally, the sororities and fraternities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council participate in Frontier Fiesta by hosting a Cook-Off site.

The Center for Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Life hosted its first Cougar Leadership Institute (CLI) on February 11-13^th, 2011. CLI was a free weekend leadership development opportunity for new and emerging leaders.  CLI was hosted at Camp Holy Wild in New Caney, TX.

There were 36 UH student participants ranging from freshmen to graduate students representing five countries. The Pre-Test and Post-Test results revealed significant gains in students' awareness of how others view their leadership style and how their personal emotions play an important role in the way they lead others. Students also self-reported that they learned:

1. Their leadership style
2. The difference/importance of ethics and morals
3. Self assessment and relationship with others
4. The importance of trust.
5. How to be a more effective leader. 

In the upcoming months The Center for Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Life will host its first Cougar Leadership Institute ReMix. This will be an opportunity for graduates of the CLI to reunite and share how they have implemented positive change in their organizations, fraternity and sorority, and community. 

   

Staff Member: Margaret Pearson   

After 27 years with the University Centers, Margaret Pearson is happily retiring and graciously moving on to a new chapter in her life. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Margaret began working at the University o

f Houston as a housekeeper in 1983, thanks to a suggestion from her mother in law.

During her time with the University of Houston,

Margaret has seen some of the university's most notable successes, including Phi Slama Jama, the Houston Cougars Football Team's appearance at The Cotton Bowl, and the

Margaret Pearson

return of Frontier Fiesta. Most importantly, Margaret worked with a smile on her face day-in and day-out, bringing a warm presence to the University Center for nearly three decades. When asked what she will do now that she has entered retirement, Margaret calmly said she would like to do some smooth traveling and easy gambling.

Student Staff Member: Cory Rivers 

Cory Rivers is a Consumer Science and Merchandising major and student assistant the Children's Learning Center at the University of Houston.  Raised in Leominster, Massachusetts, 

Cory Rivers

Cory moved to Houston in 2001 to take care of his grandmother. His grandmother's love and care inspired Cory to pursue a position that would allow him to work with children. "I love children and I figured it would be a blast," says Cory, "and I was right." Outside of work and school, Cory has come to enjoy the accessibility that the University of Houston and the city has to offer. "I think UH is a great depiction of Houston; always growing and diverse with many opportunities at your disposal just like the city itself."

 

Staff Member: Theresa Crosslin

 

Theresa Crosslin is the Reservationist for the Conference and Reservation Services Office of the University Center at the University of

Theresa Crosslin

Houston. A native Houstonian, Theresa attended Pasedena High School and has had her hand in several professions, from work for Continental and Tenaco Gas/El Paso Corporation to owning her own decorating business and having a real estate license. Considered a jack of all trades, Theresa brought her talents to the University Center in 2002 and she has enjoyed her time since. Theresa has been a dedicated staff member who gives great customer service and in 2009 she was a Staff Excellence Award winner. "I love the kids and they love me," says Theresa, "I sass 'em every now and again but they know I love helping them."

 

Student Leader: Andrea Trevino 

 

Andrea Trevino is the Student Chair for the Activities Funding Board in the Center for Student Involvement. Born in Galveston, Texas, Andrea had a background as an emergency medical technician before starting her college career. "As I was working, I found out that

Andrea Trevino

there were a lot of patients that only spoke Spanish," says Andrea, "that's when I realized how incredibly important it is to know my language." Andrea is now a senior at the University of Houston, pursuing her degree in Spanish and Biology. She is expected to graduate in Summer 2011 and plans on continuing her education, either in nursing or a Master's in Spanish. Aside from her responsibilities with the Activities Funding Board, Andrea is also the Chapter President of Alpha Phi Omega.

CEO is bringing a new tradition to this year's Frontier Fiesta. In addition to hosting the Ferris Wheel and other carnival rides that are normally seen in Fiesta City; CEO will bring an international aspect that will feature nine countries in three days. Attendees will be offered passports to document their travels and will have the opportunity to explore Italy, Brazil, Spain, Nigeria, Japan, Vietnam, India, Greece, and Mexico through food, dance lessons, crafts, and art demonstrations.  If attendees receive four stamps after their travels, they receive a free CEO T-shirt and those who visit six countries are entered into a drawing for additional prizes.    

For more information about CEO, other upcoming events, or meetings contact CEO on Facebook at Uh Ceo, email ceodir@central.uh.edu  or call 713-743-5197.

The Student Program Board (SPB) at the University of Houston creates programs that appeal to the student body.  SPB has an array of diverse activities throughout the month of March, which all students are encouraged to attend.

March 1^st-3^rd Outdoor Movie Series

From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Student Program Board will project the movies Inc

eption, Iron Man 2, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ( in that order) on the UC North Lawn. Additionally, SPB will serve delicious popcorn and refreshing beverages.

March 9^th Just Dance!

During the UC's Safe Spring Break Event, SPB will host Just Dance!  in the UC Cougar Den. SPB will have a series of games and activities for students to have fun before spring break

March 23^rd : Salsa Magic

Switching between partners in the Houston room from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, students will learn different styles of dance ranging from the salsa to the meringue. Additionally, the most interactive dancers will show their sizzling skills in front of the crowd. Two hours into the event, the whole room will turn into a dance party were everyone can just let lose, have fun, and dance.

To learn more about SPB and its programs, please contact them via email spb@uh.edu, call 713-743-5210, or come to one of the organization's general membership meetings. Meetings are every other week and the next two are March 1^st and March 22^nd from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM on the UC Atlantic Room (room 74)