All University of Houston students know the term "Lynn Eusan Park." Whether living in the dorms next to the park, seeing the area from your favorite study spot at Cougar Grounds, or walking through the tree-lined path to class, Lynn Eusan is a name we Cougars hear often. However, most students and visitors don't recognize Lynn Eusan's legacy and why she is vital to our culture as the UH Cougars. As atonement and respect for her tragic death, we would like to put a commemorative plaque detailing Lynn Eusan's impact and legacy for all students, staff, and visitors to see at the park named after her.

In my first semester here at UH, I took my first government course with Dr. Alison Leland. While teaching us the fundamentals of Texas politics, she also gave us an essay topic that inspired me to create this petition, "What is Lynn Eusan's importance to UH, and how does her legacy impact us today?" With this, I began extensively researching her impact on the UH community. I discovered how insane it is that almost nobody talks about her and the way she's led UH to be such a diverse and prosperous university. I met Dr. Irene Guenther during my second semester, who inspired me to write this article about her importance. Dr. Guenther noticed that Lynn Eusan Park is only sometimes talked about on tours. If it is spoken about, there needs to be more discussion over Eusan and her life, legacy, and strife to advance the university. Drs. Leland and Guenther are some of the wisest individuals I have met, containing a drive for justice that inspires me to pursue it for Eusan.

Lynn Eusan's impact on the university is far-reaching and is represented today in various forms. Because of her, we have an African American Studies program at the university. Because of her, "a base of human possibility for African American" education and success is manifested and achieved (Rincon). Because of her homecoming victory in 1968, UH transitioned from a predominantly white university into what is now one of the most diverse institutions in the South. Eusan was the turning point, the pivot, into a prosperous, renowned university open to all. 

Let us also remember her fight for other minority demographics at UH, as she focused not solely on advancing African Americans' rights at UH, but on all international, Latino-American, and Black students. She embodies the core values of UH, where we believe everyone deserves an opportunity for education no matter their demographic, religion, gender, race, disability, or familial status. Her will to fight the fight that so many were afraid of led us to be a leading institution for diversity and hope for many students who didn't know if they could get an education past high school. Because of Lynn Eusan, I, a proud son of Mexican immigrants, can be writing this. Because of her, I can pursue a degree at an institution as welcoming and diverse as this one. Fifty years ago, and yet her legacy still lives on. And now, it's time to recognize her for the catalyst she was to bring this institution to fruition. 

A plaque for Lynn Eusan is more than just a way to recognize her. It is a testament to her legacy, her impact, and the importance that she carries despite no longer being with us. However, she lives on in our hearts and our institution, and her legacy has taken the university to great heights. It's time to recognize her for everything that she has done.

Sources

Fickman, Laurie. "Lynn Eusan - Legacy of a Slain Advocate Who Broke a Color Line – and Changed UH Forever." LYNN EUSAN, https://stories.uh.edu/lynn-eusan/ 

Rincon, Marialuisa. "Fifty Years Ago, Uh Crowned Its First Black Homecoming Queen." The Cougar, 4 Feb. 2020, http://thedailycougar.com/2018/02/28/lynn-eusan/