San Jacinto College to seek community input on new mascot

Pick the new mascot

Voting for San Jac's new mascot will be Sept. 12-Oct. 14. Employees and students will receive a voting link via email. Alumni, donors, and community members who want to vote can visit sanjac.edu. Voting is limited to one vote per person/email.

"We will always have a special place in our hearts for our three historic mascots, but San Jacinto College has grown to five campuses and several extension centers, which requires us to look at how our entire district needs to be represented," said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. "This new mascot will be part of all the milestones and growth that San Jac will have in the future. I'm excited to see what our community selects."

After a five-month long process in which the College solicited mascot ideas from students, employees, alumni, donors, and community members, more than 300 mascot ideas were submitted by more than 1,700 people. A committee of employees and students narrowed the list to six which were presented to the College's Strategic Leadership Team. This team then selected the two finalists — Jaguar and Raven — to present to the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees and ultimately the College community for a final vote.

"I applaud the work of the mascot selection committee for their dedication to the process, and appreciate the candid conversations we had as we worked through this activity," said Dr. Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College vice chancellor for strategic initiatives. "I know that either of these new mascots selected will represent San Jacinto College and its commitment to excellence for decades to come."

In pre-Columbian times, the Jaguar roamed the Americas in vast numbers and was a sacred animal to several ancient civilizations. Strength, skill, power, courage, patience, and agility all describe attributes of the Jaguar. These same characteristics also describe the people of San Jacinto College. Whether they are first-generation college students; new graduates entering the workforce or transferring to a university; faculty, staff, and administrators who relentlessly break down barriers to student success; or alumni who pay it forward by contributing to a scholarship fund — Jaguars represent the courage, strength, and persistence each retain on their personal and professional journeys. Naturally, the stealth and skill Jaguars possess also represent our student-athletes, who bring that same competitive spirit to each game. As the new mascot for San Jacinto College, the Jaguar would usher in an era transformation, courage, perseverance, and strength.

The Raven was chosen by students more than 60 years ago as San Jacinto College's original mascot. Selected as a nod to General Sam Houston, "Colonneh," which translates to "The Raven," was the name given to him by the Cherokee Nation, with whom he lived twice throughout his lifetime. Houston later led the Texas Army at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Additionally, Ravens are known to be extremely intelligent and loyal to one another. They are also said to represent resourcefulness, wisdom, adaptability, and opportunity. Reflecting on the College's rich athletics history, what began in 1968 with its first national championship in men's basketball has since grown to include nationally ranked basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field teams winning 12 national championships overall and has collectively produced a number of professional and Olympic athletes. The new Raven will serve as an opportunity for rebirth and new traditions while connecting students, employees, alumni, and community to the glories of our past.

Voting for the new San Jacinto College mascot is scheduled for Sept. 12-Oct. 14. Employees and students will be sent a voting link via email. Alumni, donors and community members who wish to vote will be able to do so at sanjac.edu. Voting is limited to one vote per person/email.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College is among the top five community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College spans five campuses serving approximately 41,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. San Jacinto College's impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor's and Moody's.

For more information about San Jacinto College call 281-998-6150, visit sanjac.edu or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.