Although the “H” Association has an “official” mission statement, more informally, it really does two basic things.
First, it is a way for us lettermen to give back to the University of Houston Athletic Program and its student athletes. In this regard, we have two large fundraisers each year, the annual Bar-B-Que and the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament. From the proceeds from these events, we are able donate money to the program each year by direct contributions, sponsoring the Coaches’ golf tournaments, buying tables at the awards banquet and the like.
Second, we provide a central place for our former lettermen to gather at football and basketball games by sponsoring the single largest tailgate party at TDECU Stadium, and at each home basketball game in the “H” Association Letterwinner’s deck at Fertitta Center.
The “H” Association is a self-endowed, 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization of the varsity letterwinners in the NCAA sanctioned sports, sponsored by the University of Houston. The “H” Association was established to serve as a primary support group for all intercollegiate athletic endeavors of the university. It has been serving over 600 members and 1200+ letterwinners of the University of Houston since it was incorporated in 1976. Anyone who has been awarded at least one varsity letter in any sport is eligible to be a member of the “H” Association.
The “H” Association’s activities include board meetings, tailgate parties, golf tournament, BBQ fundraiser, mentoring and student-athlete engagement, socials/happy hours and other special events. All of these activities are designed to engage letterwinners of the University of Houston, support current student-athletes and to raise funds towards student-athlete scholarships.
In August 2022, Josanna (Josie) Smith became the twenty-seventh president and chairman of the board of the “H” Association. Josie is a former cheerleader and leads twenty-two board of directors, including six officers on the executive committee.