Smooth landing for UHCL mascot’s first flight
Anahid Tapia
The Signal
Arriving in true VIP fashion, with a police escort and surrounded by UHCL “secret service,” the university’s new mascot, the Hawk, made its grand debut at the 24th annual Chili Cook-Off held April 6.
Before the arrival of the mascot, students expressed their opinions of how they hoped the mascot would look and where, on campus, they expected hawk sightings to take place.
“[It should be] very colorful,” said Isabel Lewis, accounting major. Lewis said she would also like to see the mascot “around campus…interacting with the students.”
This is the first time the university has had an official mascot. As the campus prepares for downward expansion, administrators hope the hawk will help students enjoy their UHCL college experience.
“We don’t want you to make your campus a parking lot, where you just park your car,” said David Rachita, interim dean of students. “We want you to enjoy the campus.”
There was speculation that the mascot will be getting a mate, but Rachita said this will not happen for at least a couple of years. The mascot also does not yet have a name, but students can look forward to voicing their opinions for the name in the next couple of months.
Like the selection process for the mascot, the mascot’s name will be put to a vote for the UHCL community to decide. Many students are already thinking of what names they would like to give the mascot.
Jessica Mendoza, education major, suggested “Hawky.”
After an introduction by President William Staples, chili cook-off attendees finally had the chance to meet the Hawk. With a big smile and wearing a blue and green shirt, that sported the university logo, the Hawk greeted its audience. The Hawk danced and hyped-up the crowd as they applauded and cheered.
Once the Hawk landed, chili cook-off participants and attendees received t-shirts and had the opportunity to take a photo with the mascot.
“I love him! I think he’s cute,” said Arely Medina, an education major who got her first look at the mascot and liked what she saw.
If Medina or others tried to get too close to the hawk, they had their work cut out for them. Johnny Galaviz, UHCL alumus and member of the Hawks’ secret service team, proved that he took his job very seriously.
“I can’t disclose that information,” Galaviz repeatedly responded to questions about the Hawks’ personal life.
The UHCL secret service was only around for this appearance. The Hawk will most likely travel alone to graduation where students and their guests can expect to see him or her without the UHCL bodyguards.
Medina felt the first appearance of the Hawk met her expectations.
“I think the hawk is the greatest choice,” Medina said.
After 39 years, UHCL has a symbol that students and the community can associate with the campus. Make no mistake when you look up to the sky – it is not just a bird or an airplane – UHCL, we are the Hawks!
Video shot and edited by Dorian Valenzuela: The Signal.
