PHOTO: Image shows a hawk painted on a white wall with a green banner above the hawk saying "Home For Hawks." Photo courtesy of Matthew Perry. — Perry and Davis saw the mural as a way to add art to the campus while also encouraging the passions of its students. Photo courtesy of Matthew Perry.

What it means to be a Hawk

By Editorial Board Last updated Aug 22, 2022 1,998 0

Soaring high above the beautiful landscape below, red-tailed hawks are frequently spotted throughout the UHCL campus. With their keen powers of observation and their intense focus on the task at hand, the hawk symbolizes a student body that is focused, has a clear vision of its direction ahead and is ready to soar.

Animal totems are often used to signify an emblem for a group of people. The hawk totem is said to represent vision and inspire a creative life purpose. The choice of this magnificent animal as the emblem for UHCL was a clear one.

In fall 2010, UHCL’s Mascot Leadership Team began a five-phase mascot search process that involved getting input from faculty, staff, students and alumni through a series of surveys conducted throughout the year. Survey participants gave anonymous input as to why they chose the hawk as the mascot, a few of which are listed below:

“Hawks are keen, swift and a bird of opportunity;” “The hawk is a visionary, much like the best of UHCL;” and “Hawks are watchful, with sharp senses. They are hunters and flyers with a decisive self-possession that any person would do well to emulate.”

So, what does it mean to be a Hawk at UHCL?

“A hawk, as an animal, is adventuresome, dynamic and spirited, and that’s really what we want the UHCL students to be,” said former President William Staples. “As a UHCL Hawk, we want them to soar as a result of their education here.”

“I think to be a UHCL Hawk means that you can soar to new heights and achieve your dreams and goals beyond what you can imagine,” said Darlene Biggers, former associate vice president of student services. “We, the faculty and staff, will be the wind beneath your wings.”

“Being a Hawk means you are a college student,” said David Rachita, dean of students. “One that is dedicated to scholastic achievement, being academically challenged, learning to be a critical thinker and being a serious student. It means working hard. And it means doing it ‘The Hawk Way: Honor, Character and Excellence.’”

Like the red-tailed hawks that can be seen soaring high above the campus, the students of UHCL are able to ascend to new heights with a clear vision and purpose, ready to take the lead when the time is right – soaring on to the future ahead.