University of Houston Athletics
Houston Athletics, Cougar Pride Preview Giving Day
6/18/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football
Initiative set for June 25 to support Cougar Pride Annual Fund, Suits for Seniors, Pledge Per campaign
HOUSTON – Houston Athletics will host Giving Day, a one-day initiative built to rally alumni, fans, and donors, set to take place June 25 as part of Championship Week. Giving Day will serve as the conclusion to the department's 80-day Built by Houston celebration.
Giving Day will be focused on three strategic initiatives with a focus on overall supporter participation. Next Level Cougar Pride, Suits for Success and Cougar Football's Pledge Per Campaign.
"The key to building on Houston's success can't be limited to a dollar amount – we must continue our efforts to build our donor base in support of the Coogs" Chief Revenue Officer Alvin Franklin said. "This year's Giving Day will provide opportunities to support our student-athletes at every financial level. As we conclude the Built by Houston celebration, we're grateful for each and every gift that supports Houston's championship resources."
Next-Level Cougar Pride
The core intent of the 2026 Giving Day focuses on a select group of Cougar Pride annual fund members whose giving during the 2025-2026 academic year has them positioned to move up to the next tier of Cougar Pride membership with a one-time, unrestricted gift to Cougar Pride.
Combined with per seat contributions across several sports, unrestricted gifts to Cougar Pride are the backbone of Houston Athletics' fundraising and these members' increased support will enhance scholarship support of Houston's 400+ student-athletes.
To join Cougar Pride or make a one-time gift for Giving Day, please visit the Cougar Pride giving page or contact the team: cougarpride@uh.edu or 713-743-4684.
Suits for Seniors
A new initiative for the Student-Athlete Success Fund, Suits for Seniors will provide Houston Athletics' graduating seniors with their first set of professional attire as they prepare to launch their careers.
"The support our student-athletes receive from our Cougar Community extends far beyond competition and continues long after their final game," Director of Student-Athlete Development Khari Dotson said. "The support provided by our Houston Cougar community reaches far beyond the playing field, empowering student-athletes as they transition from college to career."
The Suits for Seniors initiative offers donors a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting investment in a student-athlete's future. By providing professional attire, supporters help Houston graduates step into interviews, networking opportunities, and their careers with confidence. The program reflects Houston Athletics' commitment to student-athlete success not only during their time as Cougars, but also as they embark on their journeys as young professionals.
Supporters who pledge a gift of $750, the cost to provide one student-athlete with a professional attire package, will be paired with a graduating senior through Cougar Pride and the Student-Athlete Development team. Through their generosity, donors will play a direct role in celebrating a student-athlete's achievements and helping them begin the next chapter of their lives with confidence and professionalism.
For more information on the program please contact Khari Dotson at kndotson@central.uh.edu.
Pledge Per campaign returns for 2026 Houston Football
Entering the 2026 season, Coogs Football will look to build off the success of 2025 in several ways – including the Pledge Per campaign. In this program, supporters pledge a set dollar amount for each category. For example, a donor who pledged $10 per win across the 2025 season would have finished with a contribution of $100.
The inaugural campaign generated funds that made an immediate impact on the program including contributing to the purchase of the 2025 Texas Bowl championship rings, supplementing operational dollars for Houston Football to host official visits from the transfer portal, and general operational needs.
The 2026 Pledge Per campaign will launch on Thursday, June 25th, and return with the same four pillars: Wins, Touchdowns, Defensive Sacks, and Turnovers Forced. Supporters' pledge can be charged monthly or at the conclusion of the season. For more details, please visit the Pledge Per campaign page: 2026 Houston Football Pledge Per
Please contact Associate Athletic Director Jeff Mason with any questions: 713-743-3744 or jwmason2@central.uh.edu.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by requesting information about Built By Houston, providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Giving Day will be focused on three strategic initiatives with a focus on overall supporter participation. Next Level Cougar Pride, Suits for Success and Cougar Football's Pledge Per Campaign.
"The key to building on Houston's success can't be limited to a dollar amount – we must continue our efforts to build our donor base in support of the Coogs" Chief Revenue Officer Alvin Franklin said. "This year's Giving Day will provide opportunities to support our student-athletes at every financial level. As we conclude the Built by Houston celebration, we're grateful for each and every gift that supports Houston's championship resources."
Next-Level Cougar Pride
The core intent of the 2026 Giving Day focuses on a select group of Cougar Pride annual fund members whose giving during the 2025-2026 academic year has them positioned to move up to the next tier of Cougar Pride membership with a one-time, unrestricted gift to Cougar Pride.
Combined with per seat contributions across several sports, unrestricted gifts to Cougar Pride are the backbone of Houston Athletics' fundraising and these members' increased support will enhance scholarship support of Houston's 400+ student-athletes.
To join Cougar Pride or make a one-time gift for Giving Day, please visit the Cougar Pride giving page or contact the team: cougarpride@uh.edu or 713-743-4684.
Suits for Seniors
A new initiative for the Student-Athlete Success Fund, Suits for Seniors will provide Houston Athletics' graduating seniors with their first set of professional attire as they prepare to launch their careers.
"The support our student-athletes receive from our Cougar Community extends far beyond competition and continues long after their final game," Director of Student-Athlete Development Khari Dotson said. "The support provided by our Houston Cougar community reaches far beyond the playing field, empowering student-athletes as they transition from college to career."
The Suits for Seniors initiative offers donors a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting investment in a student-athlete's future. By providing professional attire, supporters help Houston graduates step into interviews, networking opportunities, and their careers with confidence. The program reflects Houston Athletics' commitment to student-athlete success not only during their time as Cougars, but also as they embark on their journeys as young professionals.
Supporters who pledge a gift of $750, the cost to provide one student-athlete with a professional attire package, will be paired with a graduating senior through Cougar Pride and the Student-Athlete Development team. Through their generosity, donors will play a direct role in celebrating a student-athlete's achievements and helping them begin the next chapter of their lives with confidence and professionalism.
For more information on the program please contact Khari Dotson at kndotson@central.uh.edu.
Pledge Per campaign returns for 2026 Houston Football
Entering the 2026 season, Coogs Football will look to build off the success of 2025 in several ways – including the Pledge Per campaign. In this program, supporters pledge a set dollar amount for each category. For example, a donor who pledged $10 per win across the 2025 season would have finished with a contribution of $100.
The inaugural campaign generated funds that made an immediate impact on the program including contributing to the purchase of the 2025 Texas Bowl championship rings, supplementing operational dollars for Houston Football to host official visits from the transfer portal, and general operational needs.
The 2026 Pledge Per campaign will launch on Thursday, June 25th, and return with the same four pillars: Wins, Touchdowns, Defensive Sacks, and Turnovers Forced. Supporters' pledge can be charged monthly or at the conclusion of the season. For more details, please visit the Pledge Per campaign page: 2026 Houston Football Pledge Per
Please contact Associate Athletic Director Jeff Mason with any questions: 713-743-3744 or jwmason2@central.uh.edu.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by requesting information about Built By Houston, providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
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