Pilot Spreads Cougar Pride Everywhere He Flies

Growing up in Texas City, with a father who is a retired Cougar football player, Bryan Rees was introduced to the University of Houston — and especially UH sports such as football, basketball, baseball and even swimming — at an early age.

One of his fondest memories is when he had the opportunity to pose with Hakeem Olajuwon in the early 80s, showcasing the remarkable height difference between them. His strongest passion, however, was aviation.

Rees got his private pilot’s license in Galveston, began his studies at UH’s main campus. He completed his degree at Angelo State University, which offered a commercial aviation program. For his upcoming master’s degree plans, Rees anticipates returning to UH to study management and leadership.

The life of a professional pilot often requires relocating for work, and after several moves and advancements in his career, Rees ultimately found himself at Southwest Airlines — his dream company — where he’s been a pilot for a little over 8 years. That’s where the UH Alumni connection comes in.

Rees was in Oklahoma City, preparing to pilot a Southwest flight to Houston. In the airport terminal, he stopped for a cup of coffee, and while waiting, someone standing in line noticed his red UH lanyard and drink tumbler. It was Shazia Khan ('84), UH Alumni Association Foundation board president. She couldn’t resist striking up a conversation with Rees, and when she learned that he’d be the one taking her back to the Houston Hobby airport, the conversation became more animated, and they swapped a couple of Cougar hand signs before Rees had to leave to prepare for flight.

Once on board, Rees invited Khan to visit the flight deck before the jet took off.

“He had UH logos everywhere,” Khan said. “This is a true fan. I love his sincerity, sense of joy and pride in his school

After returning to her seat, Khan listened to the standard pilot’s message over the intercom, which concluded with a loud, “Whose House? Coogs House!”

Rees said that it was an honor to meet Khan.

“It will be etched in my memory forever.”

When Rees is at work on one of his flights and sees a UH logo on a shirt or hat, he’s quick to call it out, expressing the Cougar pride that makes the UH community so strong.

“Cougars are everywhere. There’s a common bond of UH that I share with anyone whenever I see it. I’ll yell out ‘Go Coogs,’ and I always get a smile. UH is a top-tier university, and people recognize that!”