FINAL FOUR ON FINAL PHASE

UHCL close to selecting its first mascot

Ryan L. Hart

The Signal

After 37 years, UHCL is in the homestretch of landing its first-ever official mascot.

The nominations have been narrowed down from more than 1,400 to four: blue heron, hawk, buck and egret.

The buck was originally denied acceptance by the Mascot Leadership Team into the final choice list for being gender specific but was put back on the list after an overwhelming response from students to do so.

The bobcat and voyager choices were also highly popular but could not be used because of other schools having the same mascot.

The mascot nomination process consists of five phases: 1) submission of mascot ideas and the narrowing down by the Mascot Leadership Team; 2) submission of professional graphic images; 3) approval of professional refinement of graphic images; 4) one final vote from students, alumni, faculty, staff and university friends; and 5) the unveiling of the new mascot.

The process is currently in phase two.

UHCL is offering the 2011 Mascot Artwork and Name Contest, a creative contest for students, faculty, alumni and staff.

The contest is awarding $300 to the design winners of each of the four mascot options and awarding $100 to the best name given for each of the options.

The contest ends Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.

Interim Dean of Students and a member of the Mascot Leadership Team David Rachita explained that while the process is serious to the university, it is supposed to be fun.

“Research says students that feel more connected [to their school] are going to be more satisfied,” Rachita said.

Ron Klinger, associate director, organizational development and former mascot of Bowling Green State University is optimistic about the UHCL mascot.

“Serving as Freddie Falcon was one of many great experiences of my life’s journey,” Klinger said. “I look forward to being able to support that experience for other students who attend UHCL.”

There is no official word as to when or if UHCL plans to branch out into sports and costumed mascots; however, Klinger and Rachita are hopeful that both will happen and believe the possibilities are endless with a new mascot.

This is not the first time UHCL has been close to selecting a mascot.

In 1990, the university was mere moments away from being called the UHCL Hurricanes after former student Scott Martin submitted the $500 winning idea.

However, the university was forced to put the implementation of the mascot on hold to search for a new president and deal with budget cuts from the state.

While the Hurricanes faded into a memory, the remaining wind was caught by Blockie’s sails in 1999.

Blockie, a cubed figure made up of UHCL’s logo, was created by students to promote events at the school and has since been used as the school’s unofficial mascot.

The unveiling of the new mascot is scheduled to be revealed Spring 2012.

More information regarding the mascot selection and contests can be found at www.uhcl.edu/mascot.