July 8, 2006

Houston, Texas -

University of Houston President/Chancellor Jay Gogue announced Monday that the flags in front of the Ezekiel Cullen Building on the UH campus would be lowered to half mast on Tuesday, July 11, in honor of UH Associate Athletics Director Roland Sparks, whose graveside services will be held at the Anahuac Cemetery at 10:00 that morning. Following graveside services, a reception will be held at the Anahuac Baptist Church.

Sparks passed away last Saturday morning in his home after battling colon cancer. His family has asked in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in his name to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston or your favorite wildlife charity.

A native of Anahuac, Sparks was a member of the UH Athletics Department for 18 years, the last three as associate athletics director. Sparks served as the department's business manager and ticket manager during his first five years at the school. He was named assistant athletics director for facilities the next six years before being promoted to associate athletics director in 2003.

A 1967 graduate of Lamar University with a degree in accounting, Sparks came to UH in 1988 after working as a public accountant in San Antonio.

Born April 18, 1944, Sparks is survived by his wife, Samantha; a son, Brett, and his wife Jennifer of Branson, Mo.; daughter, Kristen, and her husband Jason Hamilton of Dallas; and seven grandchildren.