Former Cougars Coming Forward for Houston Rise Campaign
9/15/2022 10:00:00 AM | Football, Cougar Pride
Major gift commitments reflect growing confidence and connectivity
HOUSTON – A common challenge for athletic departments nationwide is maintaining engagement with former student-athletes following graduation. In many cases, connectivity fades as time passes, and the bond between the former student-athlete and their alma mater wanes.
Through the Houston Rise campaign, the University of Houston Athletic Department is working to address this challenge head-on, placing a premium on rebuilding engagement with former Houston Cougars. It has been a methodical process, but early results are promising with a growing number of former Cougar student-athletes heeding the call.
In fact, several former Cougar greats have responded in significant ways to the campaign, with major gift commitments representing important votes of confidence in the future of Houston Athletics. In August, Cougar Football alumni James Hong and Saleem Fernandez personified their passion and dedication with major gift commitments to Houston Rise.
Today, yet another important, six-figure contribution from former Cougar standout, Mike Holley, is being celebrated. A member of Jack Pardee's legendary Cougar teams from the late 1980's, Holley has parlayed his UH experience into an incredibly successful business career. Fortunate enough to have the opportunity to support Houston Rise, Holley has come forward with an investment that reflects his dedication to a championship future for Cougar Football.
"Mike is the exact reflection of what you want a former student-athlete to be," said Vice President for Athletics and former teammate Chris Pezman. "He has been incredibly generous in giving back with his time and energy while also contributing financially which has made a significant impact on us. We look forward to getting more former student-athletes engaged here at the University of Houston as we continue to grow our programs."
As the pace of the Houston Rise campaign quickens, the focus on outreach and participation – at all levels – is intensifying. Since launching in June, the campaign message has centered on the act of participation. Every gift, no matter the amount, strengthens the foundation for a championship future.
"Houston Rise is our competitive advantage as we move into the Big 12," said Holley. "It is also a call to all Cougars to come forward and participate, be present and provide the energy and inspiration that current student-athletes need to compete and win at the highest level. The Big 12 is a big opportunity. It's not the amount, but rather the act of contributing and the pride of knowing that you are playing a direct role in our rise to the biggest stage in college sports."
CLICK to view the Mike Holley Houston Rise Tribute video.
To Join Houston Rise and prepare our Cougars to compete for championships in the Big 12. CLICK to R12E and be counted!
CLICK to join Houston Rise by becoming a Houston Football season ticket holder.
Through the Houston Rise campaign, the University of Houston Athletic Department is working to address this challenge head-on, placing a premium on rebuilding engagement with former Houston Cougars. It has been a methodical process, but early results are promising with a growing number of former Cougar student-athletes heeding the call.
In fact, several former Cougar greats have responded in significant ways to the campaign, with major gift commitments representing important votes of confidence in the future of Houston Athletics. In August, Cougar Football alumni James Hong and Saleem Fernandez personified their passion and dedication with major gift commitments to Houston Rise.
Today, yet another important, six-figure contribution from former Cougar standout, Mike Holley, is being celebrated. A member of Jack Pardee's legendary Cougar teams from the late 1980's, Holley has parlayed his UH experience into an incredibly successful business career. Fortunate enough to have the opportunity to support Houston Rise, Holley has come forward with an investment that reflects his dedication to a championship future for Cougar Football.
"Mike is the exact reflection of what you want a former student-athlete to be," said Vice President for Athletics and former teammate Chris Pezman. "He has been incredibly generous in giving back with his time and energy while also contributing financially which has made a significant impact on us. We look forward to getting more former student-athletes engaged here at the University of Houston as we continue to grow our programs."
As the pace of the Houston Rise campaign quickens, the focus on outreach and participation – at all levels – is intensifying. Since launching in June, the campaign message has centered on the act of participation. Every gift, no matter the amount, strengthens the foundation for a championship future.
"Houston Rise is our competitive advantage as we move into the Big 12," said Holley. "It is also a call to all Cougars to come forward and participate, be present and provide the energy and inspiration that current student-athletes need to compete and win at the highest level. The Big 12 is a big opportunity. It's not the amount, but rather the act of contributing and the pride of knowing that you are playing a direct role in our rise to the biggest stage in college sports."
CLICK to view the Mike Holley Houston Rise Tribute video.
To Join Houston Rise and prepare our Cougars to compete for championships in the Big 12. CLICK to R12E and be counted!
CLICK to join Houston Rise by becoming a Houston Football season ticket holder.
Highlights: Houston 27, Oregon State 24 (OT)
Monday, September 29
POSTGAME – at Oregon State (Sept. 26, 2025)
Saturday, September 27
Recap: Houston vs Colorado
Monday, September 15
Postgame Press Conference: Football vs. Colorado
Friday, September 12