SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S FALL 2018/SPRING 2019
THE DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES
KATTRIBUTES SUCCESSFULLY PREPARING BEARKATS FOR THE TEXAS WORKFORCE AND BEYOND Bearkat Buzz Welcome Bearkats!
inding your voice in life is an ever-evolving process, where individuals learn who they are; and the philosophies, values and ideals that they hold within. After obtaining this self- awakening they learn how to, in a respectful manner, present their personal ideology in an ever changing global society. This Fgrowth and internal comprehension is something that we, at Sam Houston State University, emphasize while cultivating our Bearkats to become productive citizens. It is essential for one’s personal evolution to understand your internal perspective, so that your voice can not only be heard, but intentionally articulated and conceived as a starting point for intellectual conversations and changes on all facets of life. M. Brandon Cooper In the Department of Student Activities, we strive to aid our students in finding and using this new found student voice. It is through being engaged, Director, Department of Student Activities connected and involved with campus opportunities that this voice is developed and expressed so students may be able to better communicate on a broader spectrum. Albert Einstein once said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” This sentiment Board of Regents is one of the viewpoints we have adopted when we endeavor to shape our Bearkats as they go into the world and workforce. While academics is the The Texas State University System foundation and basis of institutions of higher education, student life and the Rossanna Salazar, Chairman...... Austin byproducts of what they obtain through these opportunities, is what polishes and refines them. William F. Scott, Vice Chairman...... Nederland Charlie Amato...... San Antonio Though there are many universities and colleges across Texas, the United Garry Crain...... The Hills States and internationally that provide equal opportunities of learning; there Dr. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards...... San Antonio is a unique perspective and pedagogy that we provide our students outside of Dr. Jaime R. Garza...... San Antonio the classroom, which stays with them during their lifetime. We intentionally work to provide this comprehensive education to mold and form the student David Montagne...... Beaumont experience and voice. We anxiously anticipate meeting and engaging all of Vernon Reaser III...... Houston our students through the initiatives and areas in the Department of Student Alan L. Tinsley...... Madisonville Activities. Please know we are here to support your educational pursuits Leanna Mouton, Student Regent...... San Marcos and provide any assistance you might need in your journey at SHSU. Eat’em up Kats! Brian McCall, Chancellor...... Austin M. Brandon Cooper Director, Department of Student Activities
President’s Cabinet
Dr. Dana G. Hoyt, President Ms. Kathy Gilcrease, Chief of Staff Dr. Richard Eglsaer, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carlos Hernandez, Vice President for Finance and Operations Mr. Frank R. Holmes, Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Heather Thielemann, Vice President for Enrollment Management Mr. Frank Parker, Vice President for Student Affairs Mr. Mark Adams, Vice President for Information Technology Mr. Bobby Williams, Director of Athletics
Kelly Patterson, Managing Editor
shsu.edu/studentactivities [email protected] 936.294.3861 Lowman Student Center, Suite 328 2 shsu.edu/studentactivities
DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Frank Parker M. Brandon Cooper Vice President for Student Affairs Director for Student Activities
Brian McColpin Rachel Valle Steven Begnaud Jordan Chang Edwin Cantu Assistant Director for Assistant Director for Program Assistant Director for Assistant Director for the Program Coordinator for Spirit Programs Council and Assessment Traditions/Special Events Center for Diversity and the Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs Intercultural Affairs
Kelly Patterson Sarah Garcia Meagan Balentine Barbara Miller Breanna Provost Program Coordinator for Spirit Programs Coach Assistant Spirit Administrative Coordinator Administrative Assistant Traditions/Special Events Programs Coach
KATTRIBUTES: COMMUNICATION, TEAMWORK, CRITICAL THINKING, ETHICS AND CAREER READY 3 Bearkat Buzz STUDENT ACTIVITIES PROGRAM COUNCIL Rachel Valle, Assistant Director
Games, pageants, movie nights, giveaways, awesome seminars, and fun, fun, fun—these are all things that you will find Program Council (PC) bringing to the Sam Houston State University campus! Program Council is your student-run campus activities board that works to deliver exceptional programming throughout the year to the Bearkat family at SHSU. They are always on a mission to create educationally distinct programs that develop campus leaders and recruit students to be a part of campus life by attending an event, joining their committee, or planning a new campus program! PC plans more than thirty events per semester ranging from signature series programs such as Bingo Night and PC Cinema to larger scale programs like LSC Takeover and the Miss Sam Houston Scholarship Pageant. They work with a large number of student organizations on campus to collaboratively bring events to the student body in addition to working with academic and administrative departments that are looking to engage students in a social environment. PC balances bringing new programming along with traditional events and as a result, the calendar is always changing to offer a great line- up of events with a wide range of activities. Events such as Breakfast with PC, Bearkat Trivia, philanthropy events, Thursday Thrills, and much more are always on their minds when putting together your campus activities schedule.
Eight Bearkats hold positions on the official SHSU Program Council Board and lead a PC volunteer committee on campus. If you want to be a part of a great organization, meet amazing people, and hold a central role in building campus life at SHSU, then joining PC is the right thing for you! You can stop by the office, located in the Lowman Student Center, Suite 324, and speak with one of the board members. They are always more than happy to help! The committee meetings are typically held twice a month and serve as a place where you can meet Program Council completely new people, volunteer changed my college experience for an upcoming event, and allowed me to make an and bring new ideas for impact on the SHSU Campus.” future events! Joining —Mekayla PC will allow you to stay connected with the SHSU community throughout your years at SHSU and build a strong network, not only among the student body, but also with the administration around campus. We are all about having fun, promoting healthy activities, and most of all—being Bearkats! You can learn more about being part of the board and checking out their calendar by visiting shsu.edu/pc!
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CENTER FOR DIVERSITY AND INTERCULTURAL AFFAIRS Jordan Chang, Assistant Director Edwin Cantu, Program Coordinator
The Center for Diversity & Intercultural Affairs (CDIA) is committed to engaging you not just inside the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. The Center prides itself on developing programs and events that will broaden your perspectives and introduce you to new ideas. So how do they do it? CDIA plans and implements over 60 programs and events per academic year. Their events range from cultural celebrations to diversity seminars. Looking to make new friends and gain some insight into our increasingly diverse world? Check out their events and the leadership opportunities provided by CDIA. These opportunities put students in charge of these great organizations, where they are making decisions about the programs and events their peers get to see! CDIA includes several student organizations, including SAMentors and the Diversity Council. SAMentors is a unique organization geared toward first-year freshman and transfer students who are mentored by upperclassman throughout their first-year in college. The purpose of SAMentors is to aid the During my time within the Center, social and academic I have had the opportunity to transitions of freshmen educate others, while being and transfer students into educated, on cultures, traditions, college life at Sam Houston and social issues of individuals State University. Through across the globe.” cultural programming —Karla and the annual Diversity Leadership Conference, the Diversity Council strives to educate the university community. By challenging bias through education and other fun social activities, the Diversity Council strives to supply a stepping stone toward a more inclusive environment. CDIA encourages everyone to get involved and embrace the rich diversity on SHSU’s campus!
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TRADITIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS Steven Begnaud, Assistant Director Kelly Patterson, Program Coordinator WELCOME WEEK As the new semester approaches, so does one of our most highly anticipated events…Welcome Week! Student Activities, SAMMYPALOOZA & KAT in collaboration with other departments, plans over 20 COMEDY SHOWCASE events to welcome you to SHSU Each year, Student Activities brings the current top and there is a wide variety of musical and comedy acts to SHSU. These events are a activities where any student can find an event to spark their great way to see your favorite entertainers without ever interest. During the annual new student move-in program, we having to leave campus! During fall Welcome Week, coordinate over 450 volunteers to assist students with moving students are treated to comedic relief with some of into the residence halls. Other events include Sammy’s Lip today’s funniest comedians in the Johnson Coliseum. Sync Battle, Bearkat Picnic outside of Austin Hall, organization Past comedians include Mike Epps, Nick Swardson, fairs and many other entertaining programs! During Welcome Aziz Ansari, Nick Cannon and more! During the spring Week, new students are introduced to Welcome Week Leaders – semester, students can enjoy live music from today’s top student leaders on campus whose goals are to ease the transition artists. Past artists include Gucci, Wiz Khalifa, Panic! at to Sam Houston State University. They do this by taking part the Disco, Josh Turner, T.I. and more! in events, encouraging students to engage, involve, and connect as well as fostering Bearkat spirit. Also, don’t forget to join us for a guaranteed night of free fun at our annual Kat Comedy Showcase. We have many programs lined up for your enjoyment and look forward to meeting you at those events! FIREFEST! This annual event elevates school spirit in preparation to play Sam Houston’s biggest rival, the Lumberjacks of SFA! As students boost their burning desire to beat SFA, they gather with fellow Bearkats to enjoy a pep rally with members of the athletic teams as well as performances by SHSU Cheerleaders, Orange Pride Dance Team, and Sammy the Bearkat. A professional fireworks display and a 30 foot bonfire help build the hype for the Battle of the Piney Woods. Come out early and stay to help us count down the lighting of the bonfire! HOMECOMING Each year, Homecoming fosters a week-long interaction among students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. Student organizations compete in the Homecoming Spirit Competition which features festive activities throughout the week. Students can also continue to show their Bearkat Pride, by participating in the annual Sam Jam Carnival, which features heart- stopping rides, food and prizes. The Homecoming Parade is held on Thursday night and features our most spirited student organizations and athletic teams. Two hours before Saturday’s football kickoff, join us in Bearkat Alley for the tailgate party; you’ll see us again on the field during halftime as we crown SHSU’s Homecoming King and Queen. Visit shsu.edu/ homecoming for a complete list of activities! 6 Engage. Involve. Connect.
TREE OF LIGHT The annual Tree of Light ceremony has taken place for the past 97 years at SHSU and is Sam Houston’s oldest and most cherished tradition. Each year, students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community come together to celebrate a time of giving. The ceremony began as an annual Christmas tree lighting THE SAMMYS and has evolved into a campus- The Sammys is the university’s official student award ceremony wide celebration during the that recognizes SHSU’s outstanding student leaders and holiday season. organizations. There are 7 individual college awards, 17 individual and organizational awards, During the ceremony, and 4 Sammy Awards. All nominations several different university are confidential, and once submitted (and groups perform including the SHSU Choral and found to meet requirements) are distributed the Orange Pride to the Sammys Selection Committee who Dance Team. Student determine the final recipients (excluding the organizations are also seven individual college awards, which are invited to decorate determined by their respective dean). We the tree with an encourage your participation and support ornament. Hot of the Sammys. wassail and cookies It is a wonderful Welcome Week has given me the are always served opportunity for all opportunity to continue giving and a canned- to recognize the back to the SHSU community food drive is amazing students and and is a really fun way to help organized organizations that students get connected and feel to donate SHSU has to offer. more at home on campus.” back to the —Zachary community.
BEARKAT ALLEY Bearkat Alley is the official tailgate area during football season. For every home game, the Department of Student Activities hosts a variety of organizations and departments who tailgate in a designated area at the North side of Bowers Stadium. Student Activities gives out free food at every tailgate, including sausage and turkey legs! Also, different giveaways are distributed throughout the season, ranging from t-shirts to spirit towels in order to boost Sam Houston spirit.
BEARKAT SPIRIT FRIDAY Initiating a sense of pride and spirit at SHSU, Bearkat Spirit Friday is a weekly program held every Friday in the fall and spring semesters. Its purpose is to encourage students, faculty and staff at SHSU to wear Bearkat apparel (focusing on the school colors, orange and white) every Friday in support of SHSU. Student Activities also distributes various items on random days throughout each semester to spread Bearkat spirit and bring incentive to support the program and university. 7 Bearkat Buzz
SPIRIT PROGRAMS Brian McColpin, Assistant Director Sarah Garcia, Spirit Programs Coach Meagan Balentine, Assistant Spirit Programs Coach
Bearkat Nation truly is a nationwide sensation. Helping to spread this coast to coast attention are the nationally-ranked teams within Spirit Programs. They lead the campus and community in promoting Bearkat spirit all year long. The Co-Ed and All- Girl Cheerleaders, the Orange Pride Dance Team and our Mascot ‘Sammy the Bearkat’ start preparing in the summer for their fall and spring activities which include football, volleyball and basketball games. They also promote and engage students at over 350 events over the two long semesters. During the spring semester, all teams compete in the NCA/NDA college nationals where they have won numerous National We put every ounce of pride into Championship cheering on the teams at athletic Titles. In addition games, dancing during parents’ to these events, weekend, and showing love and Spirit Programs gratitude to our fellow Bearkats.” members are active —Michelle in community service efforts as well as numerous campus appearances. Students and departments may request cheerleaders, dancers or the mascot to come to an event by submitting a request form found online at shsu.edu/spirit.
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THE GEORGE PEABODY MEMORIAL AROUND CAMPUS LIBRARY was built in 1901 to serve as the first library building on a college campus west BOBBY K. MARKS ADMINISTRATION of the Mississippi. The Peabody was named in BUILDING was built in 1916. Originally honor of George Peabody, a northern business this building was used as the Science and man who contributed money to start the Sam Administration Building. The building also Houston Normal Institute. The Peabody was housed the book store which was at the top of built in the shape of a cross and is 3792 square the steps closed off by the metal gate on the side feet. By 1928 the college had outgrown the of the building. The steps led to doors which Peabody so when the Estill Library was built held the YMCA, and later the bookstore. The the Peabody became office and classroom space doors were taken out and replaced by windows for the BearKat Band, faculty members, and to make use of the space for offices. The dance classes. In the early 1980s, the Board of building was renovated in the late 1990s and Regents voted to raze the tiny building. The was named after Dr. Bobby K. Marks, SHSU’s public outcry kept away the wrecking ball and 11th president. Dr. Marks retired after 41 years the building was redone to hold the University at Sam Houston State. Today it serves as offices Archives. It housed the University Archives for the President, University Advancement, and until. 2004. It is now used for university other various departments. Be sure to visit the receptions, meetings and special events. 3rd floor glass display case to see gifts to the University from over the years. THE HARRY F. ESTILL BUILDING was built in 1928 as the 2nd library on campus JOHN W. THOMASON BUILDING was and was named after the Sam Houston State built in 1952 and called the Graphic Arts President at the time, Harry Fishburne Estill. Building. The production classes for the The Estill Building served as a library until graphic arts was located on the first floor of 1968 when the Newton Gresham Library was the building. The second floor was the applied built. After 1968 the library served a multitude science classes and on the third floor was the of uses and departments from Art to History. In journalism department with offices for the 2002 the academic departments were moved out college newspaper, The Houstonian, and of the building and it became home to the yearbook, The Alcalde. The Thomason the concept of, “one stop service,” to student Building was named after the late Col. John W. affairs offices, such as Registrar Office, Bursar, Thomason, SHSU alumni, artist, and Marine, Undergraduate Admissions, and Financial Aide. in 1961. Hanging in the Thomason Building are Be sure to look up to see the original sky light examples of John W. Thomason’s artwork. As and down to see the Sam Houston mosaic on the of 2017, the building is being renovated to hold floor of the lobby. offices for various departments on campus. LOWMAN STUDENT CENTER was AUSTIN HALL is the oldest building on completed in 1964 at a cost of 2 million dollars. campus. It was built in 1851 by the The Harmon Lowman Student Center was Presbyterians’ who named their college after named after SHSU’s 7th president, Harmon Stephen F. Austin. In 1879 the building was Lowman, who passed away in 1964. The new presented to the State of Texas to establish LSC contained a ballroom, Olympic sized the first Teachers College. The building is swimming pool in the basement, a barber and the oldest academic building still in use west beauty shop, bookstore, fine restaurant, banquet of the Mississippi. In 2014, the Austin Hall hall, an auditorium, lounge, and snack bar. In building was named a National Register of 1981, an addition was added on. This addition Historic Places. It is currently used for university added the theater, additional meeting rooms, receptions, meetings and special events. Be sure and a disco. In 1999 a much larger renovation to visit the Jewel Garden on the west side of the was done. The swimming pool was closed and building to view statue of Ruth Whisenhant, the pool area turned into the new ball room. class beauty, and the “jewels” of Walker County The old ballroom became the bookstore. Also that form the old gold fish pond border. included were the LSC gallery, atrium from the first to 3rd floor, student activities offices, and a OLD MAIN MEMORIAL, was built in 1889 sunken food court to add more food choices. with a 1500 seat auditorium and classrooms, it was the finest building of its kind in Texas. JACKSON SHAVER DORMS were completed Nicknamed “The Pit” and “The Queen of the in two different years. Andrew Jackson Hall Hill,” the Old Main Building, burned down was completed in 1939 and Charles Shaver Hall on February 12, 1982. After the devastating was completed in 1946. Jackson Hall was the fire it was ordered that the walls that were still 1st dorm built originally for only male students. standing be taken down to a certain height and Andrew Jackson Hall was named after Sam a memorial be built with the remaining bricks Houston’s friend Andrew Jackson. Charles that represented the “footprint,” of the building. Shaver Hall is named after SHSTC’s 6th Today you can still see the footprint of the Sam President. In 1975 Jackson Shaver was closed to Houston Memorial Hall, the outlines of the make way for renovation for the Houston Oilers classrooms, and the basement. During the Cold who were staying at Sam Houston State for their War, the Old Main basement was an official summer practice camp. Today both the Halls atomic bomb shelter. Now days the “Pit” is used are co-ed., have in-rooms safes, and have a view for concerts, weddings, and special events. of the Sam Houston Memorial Park Complex. 9 Bearkat Buzz
It is doubtful those who coined the “BearKat” the Student Senate served as pall bearers. A SHSU TRADITIONS nickname had a kinkajou in mind, however. three gun salute was given by the ROTC. Dr. More likely, the name came from a popular Harmon Lowman, President of Sam Houston local saying of the time, “tough as a BearKat!” State, paid tribute to Tripod. The band The late Reed Lindsey, who was a student/ was on hand to play. Hundreds of students athlete in the 1920s and later retired as attended the last rites. Two full pages in the University registrar, once said, “It was a good “1962 Alcalde” were dedicated to the services fighting name of the time.” Since the animal for Tripod. in the saying was thought more mythical than Death was attributed to old age and freezing real, the spelling settled upon was “BearKat.” weather conditions. Later a monument In the late 1940s, then SHSU president was erected to the memory of Tripod, the unofficial mascot. Engraving on the stone MARCH TO THE GRAVE Harmon Lowman attempted to change the SHSU mascot from BearKats to “Ravens” reads: “TRIPOD, 1941-1962, Beloved Sam Houston was born March 2, 1793 in mascot, loyal supporter, friend of Students.” Rockbridge, Virginia. He eventually moved (after General Sam Houston’s Cherokee to Texas and served as Major General nickname). Mrs. Vernon Schuder reported BEARKAT CAMP that the alumni were polled, she voted for the during the Texas Revolution. Sam Houston BearKat Camp is a four day/three night raven but that “all those old BearKats beat us was a key figure in the important battle experience for incoming SHSU Freshmen. out!” of San Jacinto in which Texas gained its New students experience the spirit, pride independence. Upon creation of the Republic SHSU had a live kinkajou mascot in 1952 and tradition that have been part of Sam of Texas, Sam Houston was elected as the but the animal did not adapt to captivity and Houston students since 1879. Incoming first president. After serving in several quickly was released from his duties. The freshmen are engaged in learning activities governmental roles, Sam Houston died on current Sammy BearKat mascot that are interactive and student led. Camp July 26, 1863 and was buried in Huntsville. keeps students moving with a variety of The March to the Grave began in 1893 in TRIPOD group activities like tribal competitions, pride honor of Sam Houston’s birthday and Texas groups, socials and optional activities like Independence Day. Every March 2nd, SHSU sand volleyball, basketball, ropes course and a faculty, staff, students, and alumni gather at giant water catapult called the blob. BearKat Old Main Pit and march to Sam Houston’s Camp provides opportunities for students gravesite for a ceremony in which various to build lasting friendships with many other dignitaries from the community speak. members of the freshman class…friendships that allow students to feel comfortable and ‘SAMMY THE BEARKAT’ MASCOT at home, as they become part of the Sam Houston community. OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY RING & On Tuesday, January 9, 1962, a man’s best RING CEREMONY friend died. He had been the unofficial mascot The ring ceremony, first held in 2004, which for Sam Houston State for over fifteen years. was the 125th anniversary of Sam Houston The exact date of his arrival on campus is State University, was established to create uncertain. Some reports indicate he was here a new tradition for those who purchase the in 1941, while other reports state 1948. He official University ring. The official ring just appeared, with his crippled left front leg. was unveiled during the 2003 homecoming He was a mixed breed dog, described as a festivities and was designed by a committee “mustard-colored mutt.” He was immediately comprised of student representatives, alumni Sam Houston State University’s athletic “adopted” by the student body. He had no and university administrators and faculty. teams have been nicknamed “The BearKats” master and no permanent home. No one The goal of the committee was to develop since 1923 when the Texas State Legislature seemed to know how he had become lame. a distinctive design that would reflect pride changed the University’s name from Sam in Sam Houston State University, would be Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston Tripod, as he was named by the students, loved a parade and football games. easily identifiable and would stand the test of State Teachers College. Prior to 1923, the time. varsity sports teams were nicknamed “The He managed to be on the scene of all major Normals”. activities. He ate at dorms or fraternity houses. The ring design comprises, on one side of the ring, a representation of Sam Houston, the Early references to “BearKats” spelled the He slept in apartments and dorms. He never lacked for food, affection, or medical care. year of the student’s graduation and “1879,” name either “Bearcats”, “Bear Cats” or the year Sam “BearKats”. A bearcat actually is a kinkajou, He made his annual visit to the veterinarian, a carnivorous mammal native to South carried by a friend. He always managed to Houston Normal Institute was established America 10 to 12 inches in length with have a new collar when one was needed. to educate and train teachers. Austin Hall is whiskers like a cat that sits up on its hind On Friday, January 12, 1962, he was buried depicted on the opposite side, with a bit of the haunches like a bear. A nocturnal creature, it on the hill in front of Old Main. Huntsville “footprint” of Old Main near its steps. The is known to be ferocious if provoked. Funeral Home furnished a baby casket, and crest of the ring includes a background star
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and swaying on the final refrain. This very ‘BATTLE OF THE PINEY WOODS’ old custom is usually the final traditional act The Battle of the Piney Woods is the rivalry of students graduating from SHSU, and the between the Sam Houston State BearKats image stays with them for many years. and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. The rivalry is currently the second longest ‘SAM…’HOUSTON’ in the FCS with BearKats leading the series CHANT/CHEER in football 63-28-2 as of 2016. On October 20, 2009, according to SFA Jacks.com and GoBearKats.com the Universities announced the rivalry was moving down to Houston, Texas, in Reliant Stadium. The Lumberjacks symbolizing the State of Texas, and a raised came away with a 31-28 victory in the debut “SH,” the official game at Reliant Stadium in front of a record university logo adopted in 2001. Cast into the crowd of 24,685. In 2012, the contract for inside of the ring is the word “Honor.” When Reliant Stadium was extended through 2017. Sam Houston joined the U.S. Army in 1813, In March of 2015 it was announced that NRG Elizabeth Houston (Sam’s mother) understood stadium would become the permanent home her son’s decision. She placed a small gold of the rivalry. band on his finger with a one-word inscription The rivalry is not only in football but also in Around 2010 a new chant/cheer started – HONOR. men’s basketball where the Lumberjacks hold appearing at SHSU sporting events and a slight lead 95-94 all-time, the last game In 2013 a new aspect of the Ring Ceremony various university functions. At various was the 189th and extended the rivalry to 87 was introduced, where all the rings that are to durations, one side of the audience yells seasons. In the 2010 season, airing on ESPN2, be distributed at the ceremony, are placed in ‘SAM’ then immediately following the other the conference championship featured the Sam Houston’s Home (on the Sam Houston side of the audience yells ‘HOUSTON’. This “Piney Woods” rivalry in the finals with the Memorial Museum Grounds) overnight in his is then repeated several times, with the sides BearKats coming out on top 64-48 to win the bedroom. The day of the ceremony, the rings competing to see who can be the loudest, 2010 Southland Conference tournament and are then transported, by the SHSU ROTC to while also raising school spirit and pride. the ceremony host site. go onto play Baylor in the 1st round of the THE UNIVERSITY MACE NCA A Tournament. NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION The University Mace is symbolic of the Since 2007, the winner of the “Battle of the The official induction and welcoming event authority of the Board of Regents, The Texas Piney Woods” has earned a 21-pound solid for new students and their parents. New State University System, and the Office of the cedar trophy that displays replica pistols students are officially inducted into higher President of Sam Houston State University. attached to a tombstone. The logos from both education and officially deemed Bearkats by The mace, used in academic convocations, universities are engraved on the handle of the SHSU President Dana Hoyt. In attendance is carried by the senior tenured faculty pistols above name plates that will display are the university vice presidents, deans, member of the University. The initial use the outcomes of the contest for the next two faculty, staff, and students. Dinner and music of the University Mace at Sam Houston decades. will be provided afterwards on coliseum State University was for the occasion of the Prior to the trophy, a pair of Colt Walker grounds. For more information, contact the summer commencement on August 20, 1988. Pistols were the original prize awarded to First Year Experience Office. The walnut staff is bound in brass and has a the winning team, beginning with the 1976 hexagonal head with inlays of pecan denoting COMMENCEMENT contest in the Houston Astrodome. the state tree and recessed brass medallions Although commencement programs are cast with designs for General Sam Houston, These pistols were lost over time and have not traditions, they are not unique to Sam Austin Hall, Old Main, BearKats, and the been recovered. Houston State University. However, at least completion date of the mace. The walnut one function included in the commencement holder base or stall is six-sided to match programs is distinctive: the singing of Auld the mace head. The crown of the mace is Lang Syne, with the clasping of hands on a circular casting bearing the name of the the last verse and the raising of the hands University and the date of establishment, 1879. The center of the circle contains the state emblem, the lone star. Below the crown, the names of past University presidents and the dates of service are engraved on a brass collar. The University Mace was designed and hand crafted by the late Charles R. Jedlicka, Associate Professor of Industrial Technology, who retired in 1989.
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DID YOU KNOW? Over 90 undergraduate Classified as a ELITE program supports degree programs “Doctoral Research minority males: University” by the 150 students More than 60 master’s Carnegie Commission Avg GPA 3.0 programs on Higher Education, Retention 88% placing SHSU in top 7% of all U.S. colleges & 8 doctoral programs Student Money universities Management Center Ranked 5 out of “Top Faculty to student ratio Recognized by 50 Financial Literacy of 23:1 with an average Princeton Review as Programs of 2018” by class size of 33 students one of the “Best in the LendU West” universities 74% of the faculty Named among the members hold doctoral Named by U.S. News “Best Online Colleges or terminal degrees & World Report as a for Veterans and their university “Growing families in 2018” More than 260 student Fast, Staying Friendly” organizations Only school in Texas Recreational sports offering a concentration program with outdoor in PGA Golf and indoor facilities Management, 1 of 18 in U.S. Founded in 1879 and Planetarium and named after Texas’ observatory Only AACSB accredited greatest hero, General bachelor’s degree Sam Houston University Raven Nest program in the U.S. for Golf Course Banking and Financial Beautiful 367 acre main Institutions university campus in Huntsville, Texas USA Today’s Top 50 in the U.S. for Named to top 10 “commitment to civic performing institutions 21,224 students engagement and global in the country for Latino enrolled as of Fall 2018 awareness” students
A diverse student Student-published From fall 2010 to fall body representing 60 newspaper 2017, our African countries American students increased by 36% Total annual 2018-19 NCAA Division I budget of $364 million and Hispanic students athletic program (approx. 25% comes increased by 78% from The State of Texas)