Issue 3, Volume 91 by The Cougar

“She

THE COUGAR

CAMPUS

UH community comes together to remember Sage

GAURAANGI GUPTA

MANAGING EDITOR

@GAURAANGI GUPTA

Monday, Sept. 22, the UH community gathered together at Lynn Eusan Park to remember Jade “Sage” McKissic. The vigil was organized by Meditation Monday UH, where McKissic served as the Social Media Chair. Everyone in attendance was encouraged to wear green in honor of her name, Jade and Sage, representing different shades of the color green.

“Usually, on Mondays, we host a meditation from five to six o’clock,” said President of Meditation Monday and Chinese studies and world cultures and literature senior TJ White. “We really just wanted to dedicate this Monday to her and show who she was to us, and how important she is to the campus.”

McKissic went missing on Sept. 9 and on Sept. 18, authorities pronounced her dead. According to the Houston Police Department, there’s no suspicion of foul play, and the cause of death is still under investigation.

McKissic was an active and involved member of UH’s community, with an impactful presence. She was part of the Orientation Team along with several other organizations, such as the R.E.D. Poets Society and HER Campus.

Everyone who knew McKissic described her as a ray of sunshine: someone who would light up a dark room and bring a smile to your face on a bad day.

“She always brought positivity to every situation, no matter what. She was always willing to make things better,” White said. “Just from being here, you can see that there are so many people who were affected by her presence, and I think this

of students, and the feeling of loss within the student body was strong.

The gathering meant more than a vigil for the campus. It was a testament to how life can be unpredictable.

“I’m here to show support to her friends and family. I just feel like this could have been anybody,” said accounting senior Cherish Sanders. “Everyone should know and spread awareness that we as a community have to be together, no matter what.”

An attendee took up the opportunity to remind everyone to love one another, as life is very short. They then asked all attendees to hug each other and be thankful for what they have.

Apart from students, the vigil was also attended by McKissic’s family and friends who graduated from the University. The family, in this time of grief, declined to make any comments.

Spring 2025 supply chain graduate Kadeem Foamkom broke down multiple times, remembering McKissic.

Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle was also present to showcase his support.

It was difficult to watch the students grieve, but also powerful to witness the strength they find in one another, Kittle said.

“It was deeply moving to see our students come together to honor Jade’s life with such love and compassion,” Kittle said. “Their heartfelt words and shared memories were a testament to the impact Jade had on our community. My thoughts are with Jade’s family and our students during this time of loss.”

To commemorate her life, the organizers distributed green balloons and encouraged everyone to write a message for McKissic. A prayer was recited, and the balloons were later released into the sky.

“In my culture, we always say, celebrate life and not mourn the death,” Foamkom said. “So I’m just going to try and celebrate her life.”

is a true testament to who she was around campus.”

An open mic was also organized where McKissic’s friends spoke a few words about her.

“She has to be remembered. She is a person who needs to be remembered,” said finance senior Alex Olley. “I just hate that she’s gone and it doesn’t feel real, but it’s good to see the community come together and see how many people she has affected.”

Alex Olley, finance senior

It was a bittersweet moment where students were tearing up, sharing their memories of McKissic, while also remembering her fun and upbeat personality.

One of her friends described their very first meeting at a party and how she was his dance partner ever since.

Another loved one, who was McKissic’s roommate for the Orientation Team, became emotional during the open mic.

She described how McKissic wanted everyone around her to be happy and how humble she was as a person.

The vigil was attended by a large crowd

“I always appreciated her presence, even though I never really expressed it to her. Her presence really meant a lot to me, because she was just always bringing such a good vibe to everybody.”

Kadeem

Foamkom, supply chain graduate

McKissic loved line dancing, according to her friends. Therefore, to end the day on a positive note, several line dances were performed and all attendees were invited to join.

“I think she was a leader, she was caring, she was thoughtful,” White said. “I think overall, it’s very important that we honor who she was to everybody, rather than how she left us.”

During these difficult times, The Cougar’s thoughts and prayers are with Sage’s family. We also urge the community to support each other, reach out to loved ones or Counseling and Psychological Services.

news@thedailycougar.com

Photos on this page were taken by Raphael Fernandez.

Somos UH, Residential Halls Association host ‘Los Coogs’ to celebrate Hispanic heritage

JOSHUA VASQUEZ

ASSITANT NEWS EDITOR

@_JOSH_VASQUEZ_

Somos UH and the Residential Halls Association hosted “Los Coogs” on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to celebrate the Hispanic Heritage month.

Somos UH is the University’s first Hispanic Student Union that fosters an inclusive space for Latino students and students of all other backgrounds. The event aimed to highlight UH’s status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a designation celebrated at colleges and universities across the country.

UH reported that 34% of its student population identified as Hispanic, for fall 2024. Somos UH was created to celebrate that identity and bring the community together.

“Even though there are smaller, collegebased organizations, there wasn’t one for everybody across different majors,” said president of Somos UH and accounting and marketing senior Daniela Gonzales.

The organization actively hosts a variety of events, from social gatherings that connect students to their culture to professional service events that give back to the community. One of their partners is Kids’ Meals, a nonprofit that serves many Hispanic families.

“Every day we know we’re in Houston but at events like this, when our culture is

celebrated, that’s when the pride deepens,” said marketing director for Somos UH and marketing and finance senior Nicole Barrera. “The first word that comes to mind is pride.”

Barrera is Colombian and seeing not just tacos or birria but also arepas, empanadas and the full diversity of the community makes her proud of where she comes from.

Events like these also help students feel more at home, even when they’re far from it and helps students understand the culture better.

“Hispanic Heritage Month, even though I’m far from home, makes me feel more connected to my culture,” said financial director for Somos UH and accounting senior Juan Gonzalez Diaz. “The goal of these events is to bring people together and ensure the Hispanic community is celebrated and supported.”

The RHA also played a key role in organizing the event by showcasing their support.

“This is our second year hosting this event,” said RHA president and strategic communications senior Yhoalibeth Beceril. “We wanted to keep the tradition alive during Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Student experiences

The event helped students feel more connected to their roots, and feel that being at a Hispanic-Serving Institution highlights the diversity within the community.

“I’ve gotten to speak Spanish with so many people, which I don’t usually get to do on campus,” said accounting junior Karla Gonzalez. “I’ve met people I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”

Students also learned about programs they didn’t know existed, like the Latin studies minor. It’s something that could actually be paired with the desired majors,

Gonzalez said.

Attendees felt the food and cultural items made them nostalgic and miss home, but also made them feel like campus is their new home away from home.

Highlighted organizations

At the event, student organizations like the Association of Latinx/Hispanic Advocates and Allies were featured.

“We believe in creating safe spaces for everyone, regardless of age, race or major,” said community service director of ALHAA and computer information systems sophomore Aracely Saavedra. “We focus on building community at UH and beyond, especially in the greater Houston area.”

The organization offers support to students, although confirmation of specific services was not provided due to privacy reasons.

news@thedailycougar.com

University of Houston students dance in a conga line during the HSI Day celebration, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Houston. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

University of Houston students dance during the HSI Day celebration, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Houston. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

University of Houston students serve hispanic cuisine during the HSI Day celebration, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Houston. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

University of Houston students sharing a dance during the Hispanic Organization Festival, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

Alana Torres-Rivera’s steady rise one day at a time

ALEJANDRO COMPEAN

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

@ALECOMPEANNN

Regardless of her role on the court, senior defensive specialist Alana Torres-Rivera is always looking for a way to make an impact.

From her first years of college as a serving specialist

to patrolling the back row as a libero or defensive specialist, she’s embraced every position asked of her to play.

This year, it looked like it would be the Caguas, Puerto Rico native in libero gear following the departure of long time starting libero Kate Georgiades.

Yet, the emergence of freshman libero Gillian Pitts, a five-star recruit according to VBrecruiter. com, left coach David Rehr to decide between years of experience and one of the nation’s top defensive prospects. The choice was made easier by Torres-Rivera’s selflessness and willingness to play anywhere,

which Rehr praises her for.

“We need Alana. We need Alana on the court. She’s so important to us, and it was a tough decision,” Rehr said.

Although Pitts became the main starting libero to begin the season, Torres-Rivera’s experience and versatility have made her an essential part of Houston’s rotation, playing more than ever before.

More than a mentor

She learned plenty under the guidance of Georgiades, a threetime libero of the year across two conferences.

Torres-Rivera describes Georgiades as a “huge part” of her growth and development in Houston, whether it was offering comfort, giving life advice or teaching the game of volleyball from one of the program’s most decorated players in its history.

“She’s just a great friend, I don’t know how else to explain it,” Torres-Rivera said. “She is very much a person that will push you to be your best.

Early years

Maribel, Torres-Rivera’s older sister who was 13 at the time and already involved in the sport, played a crucial role in that journey, inspiring TorresRivera to forge her own path.

“My older sister played volleyball. We are five years apart, so I got into it around eight years old, which is really, really young,” Torres-Rivera said.

When she played club volleyball, Torres-Rivera was a setter, an offense-first position and the volleyball equivalent of a quarterback.

Over time, she learned her true calling was on the defensive side.

“I was a setter for a little while there, and then I realized I just loved playing defense, so I transitioned pretty quick to being a libero in club,” TorresRivera said.

Torres-Rivera got to play defense throughout high school, where she was a defensive

VOLLEYBALL

Continues onpage four

Houston Cougars libero Alana Torres-Rivera (2) receives a serve from the North Alabama Lions during the second half of an NCAA college women’s volleyball match, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Ben Williams’ defense powers unbeaten start

CAMRYN ALBERIGO

SPORTS EDITOR

@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO

Through eight games, Houston soccer has allowed only two goals, showing that its unbeaten start is about more than just scoring.

“We are not going to get into a shootout with people. That is not sustainable,” coach Ben Williams said. “If we don’t concede goals, then we will probably win games with the chances we create.”

Houston has applied that philosophy effectively, sitting at 6-0-2 while allowing only one goal against Texas on Aug. 24 and another late in a Sept. 18 match against Cincinnati. The Cougars are tied for fifth in the NCAA in shutout percentage, keeping clean sheets in six of

VOLLEYBALL

Continued from page four

specialist for Glenda Dawson in Pearland, Texas.

She led them to a 15-0 district record in her senior year and a 41-5 record overall in her four years there.

Her defense-first approach made for a smooth transition to libero in college with the Cougars.

Rehr has observed her rise over her four years in Houston, excelling in every role she has taken and growing into an essential voice on a team that includes five freshmen.

Once a freshman herself in 2022, TorresRivera appeared in 68 sets, with her most notable performance being Sept. 9 against

their eight games.

Williams laid the groundwork early, dedicating 10 days of preseason entirely to defensive training.

“It’s starting to pay off,” he said. It is not just the back line driving that defensive success. Players across all positions have committed to a team-wide effort. In fact, those who do not buy into the defensive mindset do not see the field.

“We do not carry anyone defensively. If you do not want to defend, you cannot play, so it is something that is massively important,” Williams said. “I do not care how good you are going forward, if you cannot defend, you cannot play.”

The philosophy of shared defensive responsibility resonates throughout the

South Alabama, where she recorded a thencareer-high nine digs across five sets.

It was a career-high that stood until Oct. 17, 2024, when she recorded 10 digs, including a service ace in a five-set loss to Baylor.

Now, as a senior, Torres-Rivera has broken all her previous career bests, appearing in every set so far for the Cougars, and is on track to surpass her previous total of 75 sets played from 2024.

Most recently, she has started the last four matches for Houston, recording 83 digs during that stretch, while shattering her previous career-best three times, a singlegame total that is now 30, four off of her mentor Georgiades’ program record of 34.

team.

“A really big non-negotiable we have created on this team is we are all going to defend, and we are all going to do it together,” freshman forward Amaris Bumba said. “If it is not every single person out there at 100 percent, then we are not going to have success.”

That collective commitment has led to a remarkable turnaround. Last season, Houston was outscored 38 to 11 by opponents. This year, the Cougars already hold a 26-2 goal differential.

Turnarounds like this are not new for Williams, who led SFA to 14 wins and the seventh most shutouts in the nation with 13 last season, in the biggest singleseason turnaround in Division I.

In 2023, while serving as an assistant

The accomplishment happened in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader, marking the second win of the day, and six total sets played within the span of a few hours.

Her career night could have been a moment to celebrate, especially after Houston got itself back in the win column following a four-game skid.

But the bigger impact is how the team has mirrored her steady demeanor through the highs and lows, which she built from years of embracing whatever role was needed.

And in her words: “taking it one day at a time.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

coach at UTSA, the Roadrunners set a program record for fewest goals conceded, allowing just 13.

Drenched in Powerade after the Cougars’ 3-1 win over Cincinnati, the first Big 12 opener the Cougars have won, Williams laughed when asked about the keys to the team’s defensive success. Shutout September finally ended with the team conceding its first goal after four straight clean sheets.

He stressed that even a single lapse late in a match could become costly as the Cougars continue in conference play.

For him, the standard is clear: finish every game with the same discipline that built the lead.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Houston Cougars’ coach Ben Williams, Amaris Bumba and the team at a NCAA college soccer match against the Cincinnati Bearcats, Thursday, Sept.18, 2025 in Houston, Texas | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Kellen Morin and Alana Torres-Rivera. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

CAMPUS

‘The fear never went away’: Safety at UH is still a concern

ANNA MONROE

OPINION EDITOR

@ANNA._.MONROE

Last semester, I didn’t get out of work until 1 a.m., and I didn’t get back to my

HEALTH

dorm at Moody Towers until much later.

At this hour, I would have assumed that not many people are out.

However, UH is a lively college campus. Some people are out on a run with a

friend, leaving for a late-night snack or just coming back from work. It wasn’t strange to see people out on a stroll on the Greenway trails or students hopping onto Metro trains.

At this hour, the campus lighting was very “pick and choose” where spots were lit. Some lights stayed on, some flickered and eventually went out. With my parking lot being on Wheeler Avenue, this is when the construction was at its worst.

Down the street, my car had to have its brights on. At the lot, I made sure to park under a working light. I was supposed to feel relief after getting off a long day, but the dark seemed to drain me even more.

I had three rules before leaving my car. One, I had my self-defense items. Two, I was on the phone with someone. Three, I was ready to walk fast. As soon as the car door shut, it was like turning off the basement light, and I had to get up the stairs as quickly as possible. I had to walk quickly or else the monster would get me.

This monster I was afraid of didn’t really have a name or a face. It’s what he was capable of doing. The possibilities

branched from the crime that happened within the last year. The fear never went away, only tightened its grip. It occurred to me later on that the feeling of anxiety when it was time to walk back to the dorms wasn’t normal. This pit in my stomach never went away, especially when security was heightened in February. It was an eerie feeling seeing peers and friends scared on a college campus. I had promised my parents that I was leaving for a place where I would be safe. It was even scarier when I realized most of us don’t have a choice when it comes to changing our schedule. Students don’t choose to walk in the dark or work late; they don’t choose to feel helpless. For many of us, this is how we pay for our necessities.

Campus lighting is supposed to bring safety and security. The Board of Regents approved the acceleration of the Lighting Project, but it took years to get to this point. We deserve to feel safe and not worry about our livelihood.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Transforming mental health one conversation at a time

ANNA MONROE

OPINION EDITOR

@ANNA._.MONROE

September is suicide prevention month. This month is when people come together and try to end the stigma and negative connotations around mental health.

Over the past two decades, suicide rates reached their peak in 2022. In response, social shifts have fueled a modern advocacy movement, and the fire is not dwindling anytime soon. From wellness apps that swear to improve emotional conditions to websites that diagnose depression, everything surrounding mental health seems to be accessible.

As mental health conversations dominate the media, this can lead to ‘armchair diagnosis’. This is a term used when people diagnose based on personal opinion or limited experience. This causes people to mix reliable information and misleading narratives. Although caring for one’s mental health is important, making sure to get professional and qualified information is also vital.

This newfound wellness fixation has caused therapy and mental health advocates to act like overcompensating aids. This modern stereotype undermines all of the work done to end the stigma within the last 25 years.

These misconceptions stem from overexposure online. For example, when a song gains immediate popularity, people can find the song everywhere: on the radio, TikTok and even commercials. People have a tendency to forget why the song was so good in the first place.

This example plays in tune with the rise of popularity in ending the stigma. With the help of social media, recent generations have become more open to discussing struggles and how to heal, but they can be faced with misleading information from so-called TikTok professionals. Like a double-edged sword, social media can cause “End the Stigma” to make waves or cause people to feel overwhelmed. These overexposures from media channels can cause mental health advocacy to seem like a trend, waiting for it to pass.

However, this cannot pass. This public health crisis is not a rare or irreparable thing. Movements like “End the Stigma” can build safe communities, prevent lost lives and create positive change.

The overexposure of misinformation and invalid information damages the real treatment of mental health. To help combat it, communities need to rethink awareness. Media responsibility is a big part of reframing the initiative. This includes having balanced coverage and avoiding ‘quick fixes’ for depression. It is also important

that people take personal responsibility by sharing accurate information.

This conversation is critical to help grow an understanding and aid someone on their mental health journey. This will not be a passing trend but a cornerstone in public health.

Taking care of one’s mental health is not just important this month, but every day. For on-campus resources, contact UH’s Counseling and Psychological Services. opinion@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Safiyya Lambert/The Cougar

life and arts

April’s Angle: Navigating grief, mental health

APRIL BADMUS

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

@ITZ_APRULLL

Hi! Welcome to an issue of April’s Angle! I’m April, a political science and psychology double major sophomore. I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. If you have any questions or need advice on any topic, I’m here to help!

The college experience is often described as a time for growth and exciting new beginnings. But when tragedy strikes, the atmosphere can quickly shift. Suddenly, the spaces that once felt comforting and lively may feel heavy with grief and uncertainty. For many students, this is the first time navigating loss in such a communal yet personal way, and the process might feel overwhelming, but I’m here to tell you that you are not alone.

Grief in college comes with unique challenges, with academics continuing to demand attention and extracurricular responsibilities piling up, the pressure to “keep going” can make it difficult to pause and

process emotions.

College environments can also create the illusion of isolation, making it seem as though everyone else is moving on seamlessly. However, it is essential to acknowledge that grief manifests differently for each individual. Some students may need solitude, while some crave connection. Give yourself permission to grieve and take the first steps towards healing.

Know that it is okay to feel sad and to be affected by the passing away of someone you were not close to or even never crossed paths with. Although we are only in the fifth week, it is normal for a sense of community to have developed and for you to feel a connection to someone you’ve never met.

Your grief is valid. We are navigating scary times and it is imperative to your mental health that you show kindness and grace not only to others, but to yourself.

While the University provides counseling through Counseling And Psychological Services, finding personal outlets for grief and support can be grounding.

Journaling, art, or simply spending time outdoors can create space to reflect. Reach out to those you care about and continue doing the things you love even when it’s difficult, familiarity and comfort matters so much in a time like this. Grief is deeply personal but it is also collective. Talking to your loved ones can significantly alleviate the feeling of isolation, stay in contact and help others when needed.

Finally, please know there might be a time where you have to seek extra help. When grief

starts to feel overwhelming and like persistent sadness, loss of motivation, or thoughts of harming yourself– reach out to a counselor immediately. Support is there to help you carry what feels too heavy. And if you need a friend, I’m always here to listen and help. You can reach me on instagram anytime.

CAPS grief support group is hosted every Friday from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Contact tasai@central. uh.edu for more information. news@thedailycougar.com

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ

EDITORIAL

BOARD

Keep your thoughts, plans and secrets to yourself, and you’ll prosper this year. There is too much to lose if you trust the wrong people or organizations. Protect your home, your rights and your possessions. Walk away from joint ventures, shared expenses and making changes that lack substance or hinge on someone else.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- How you engage with issues that matter to you will have an impact. Stand tall and refuse to let anyone or anything get between you and what’s important to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Be careful. Acting on your anger will cost you. Be prepared for the consequences if you decide to engage in a conflict with a friend, neighbor or family

member.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Money is within reach if you put in the effort. Use your experience and knowledge to convince others to take a chance on you. Stick to what you know and do best, and your confidence will carry you forward.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- It’s up to you to create opportunities. If you snooze, you’ll lose, so put on your best attire and attend an event. Be sure to verify facts before sharing information.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Figure out a budget and map out a plan that makes your home and lifestyle more appealing. Look for something that will appease those who may stand between you and your heart’s desires.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Review your options and consider how you want to proceed. Take responsibility for your happiness and prioritize your needs. A commitment will prove to be lucrative.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Stifle your fiery, combative rhetoric if you want to accomplish what you set out to do. Choose your words wisely and strive to live up to your promises.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Pay attention to how you look and feel. Trust your instincts, not what someone else tries to talk you into doing. Implement home improvements that will make your life easier.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Get the ball rolling. Utilize your intelligence and connections to develop a plan, and

implement change based on your findings. Follow your heart, and don’t look back.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Get out and do something that motivates you to look and do your best. Be willing to compromise if it will help you complete tasks on time. A new look or a little pampering can rejuvenate you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Stay alert. Problems at home will mount if you let your emotions and ego get in the way. Taking on someone else’s burden isn’t required; kindness and advice are sufficient.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Be careful what you agree to; certain things will not be as described. It’s best to stay in control of whatever changes are heading your way instead of letting someone else decide for you.

TO THE EDITOR

The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.

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