2018-2019 Bearkat Buzz

SA M H O USTO N STATE U N IVERSIT Y’S

FA LL 2018/SPRI N G 2019

THE DEPARTMENT OF STU DENT AC TIVITIES

KATTRIBUTES SUCCESSFULLY PREPARING BEARKATS FOR THE TEXAS WORKFORCE AND BEYOND

Bearkat Buzz

Welcome Bearkats!

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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 selfawakening they learn how to, in a respectful manner, present their personal ideology in an ever changing global society. This growth 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.

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, 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 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 foundation and basis of institutions of higher education, student life and the byproducts of what they obtain through these opportunities, is what polishes and refines them.

Though there are many universities and colleges across Texas, the United States and internationally that provide equal opportunities of learning; there is a unique perspective and pedagogy that we provide our students outside of the classroom, which stays with them during their lifetime. We intentionally work to provide this comprehensive education to mold and form the student experience and voice. We anxiously anticipate meeting and engaging all of our students through the initiatives and areas in the Department of Student Activities. Please know we are here to support your educational pursuits and provide any assistance you might need in your journey at SHSU. Eat’em up Kats!

M. Brandon Cooper Director, Department of Student Activities

Board of Regents The Texas State University System Rossanna Salazar, Chairman........................................... Austin William F. Scott, Vice Chairman..............................Nederland Charlie Amato........................................................ San Antonio Garry Crain................................................................. The Hills Dr. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards............................. San Antonio Dr. Jaime R. Garza................................................. San Antonio David Montagne......................................................... Beaumont Vernon Reaser III.......................................................... Houston Alan L. Tinsley.......................................................Madisonville Leanna Mouton, Student Regent............................ San Marcos 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 studentactivities@shsu.edu 936.294.3861 Lowman Student Center, Suite 328

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shsu.edu/studentactivities

DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Frank Parker Vice President for Student Affairs

M. Brandon Cooper Director for Student Activities

Brian McColpin Assistant Director for Spirit Programs

Rachel Valle Assistant Director for Program Council and Assessment

Steven Begnaud Assistant Director for Traditions/Special Events

Jordan Chang Assistant Director for the Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs

Edwin Cantu Program Coordinator for the Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs

Kelly Patterson Program Coordinator for Traditions/Special Events

Sarah Garcia Spirit Programs Coach

Meagan Balentine Assistant Spirit Programs Coach

Barbara Miller Administrative Coordinator

Breanna Provost Administrative Assistant

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 lineup 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.”

—Mekayla future events! Joining 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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shsu.edu/studentactivities

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 social and academic During my time within the Center, transitions of freshmen I have had the opportunity to and transfer students into educate others, while being college life at Sam Houston educated, on cultures, traditions, State University. Through and social issues of individuals cultural programming across the globe.”

—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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Bearkat Buzz 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, in collaboration with other departments, plans over 20 events to welcome you to SHSU and there is a wide variety of activities where any student can find an event to spark their interest. During the annual new student move-in program, we coordinate over 450 volunteers to assist students with moving into the residence halls. Other events include Sammy’s Lip Sync Battle, Bearkat Picnic outside of Austin Hall, organization fairs and many other entertaining programs! During Welcome Week, new students are introduced to Welcome Week Leaders – student leaders on campus whose goals are to ease the transition to Sam Houston State University. They do this by taking part 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!

SAMMYPALOOZA & KAT COMEDY SHOWCASE

Each year, Student Activities brings the current top musical and comedy acts to SHSU. These events are a great way to see your favorite entertainers without ever having to leave campus! During fall Welcome Week, students are treated to comedic relief with some of today’s funniest comedians in the Johnson Coliseum.

Past comedians include Mike Epps, Nick Swardson, Aziz Ansari, Nick Cannon and more! During the spring semester, students can enjoy live music from today’s top artists. Past artists include Gucci, Wiz Khalifa, Panic! at the Disco, Josh Turner, T.I. and more!

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 heartstopping 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!

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Engage. Involve. Connect.

TREE OF LIGHT

THE SAMMYS

The Sammys is the university’s official student award ceremony that recognizes SHSU’s outstanding student leaders and organizations. There are 7 individual college awards, 17 individual and organizational awards, and 4 Sammy Awards. All nominations are confidential, and once submitted (and found to meet requirements) are distributed to the Sammys Selection Committee who determine the final recipients (excluding the seven individual college awards, which are determined by their respective dean). We encourage your participation and support of the Sammys.

Welcome Week has given me the It is a wonderful opportunity for all opportunity to continue giving to recognize the back to the SHSU community amazing students and and is a really fun way to help organizations that students get connected and feel SHSU has to offer. more at home on campus.”

—Zachary

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 and has evolved into a campuswide celebration during the holiday season.

During the ceremony, several different university groups perform including the SHSU Choral and the Orange Pride Dance Team. Student organizations are also invited to decorate the tree with an ornament. Hot wassail and cookies are always served and a cannedfood drive is organized to donate back to the 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.

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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 AllGirl 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.

Find us on... @SHSUStuAct | /SHSUStuAct |

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SHSUStuAct |

SHSUStuAct

/shstudentactivities

Engage. Involve. Connect.

AROUND CAMPUS BOBBY K. MARKS ADMINISTRATION BUILDING was built in 1916. Originally this building was used as the Science and Administration Building. The building also housed the book store which was at the top of the steps closed off by the metal gate on the side of the building. The steps led to doors which held the YMCA, and later the bookstore. The doors were taken out and replaced by windows to make use of the space for offices. The building was renovated in the late 1990s and was named after Dr. Bobby K. Marks, SHSU’s 11th president. Dr. Marks retired after 41 years at Sam Houston State. Today it serves as offices for the President, University Advancement, and other various departments. Be sure to visit the 3rd floor glass display case to see gifts to the University from over the years.

JOHN W. THOMASON BUILDING was built in 1952 and called the Graphic Arts Building. The production classes for the graphic arts was located on the first floor of the building. The second floor was the applied science classes and on the third floor was the journalism department with offices for the college newspaper, The Houstonian, and the yearbook, The Alcalde. The Thomason Building was named after the late Col. John W. Thomason, SHSU alumni, artist, and Marine, in 1961. Hanging in the Thomason Building are examples of John W. Thomason’s artwork. As of 2017, the building is being renovated to hold offices for various departments on campus.

AUSTIN HALL is the oldest building on campus. It was built in 1851 by the Presbyterians’ who named their college after Stephen F. Austin. In 1879 the building was presented to the State of Texas to establish the first Teachers College. The building is the oldest academic building still in use west of the Mississippi. In 2014, the Austin Hall building was named a National Register of Historic Places. It is currently used for university receptions, meetings and special events. Be sure to visit the Jewel Garden on the west side of the building to view statue of Ruth Whisenhant, class beauty, and the “ jewels” of Walker County that form the old gold fish pond border.

OLD MAIN MEMORIAL, was built in 1889 with a 1500 seat auditorium and classrooms, it was the finest building of its kind in Texas.

Nicknamed “The Pit” and “The Queen of the Hill,” the Old Main Building, burned down on February 12, 1982. After the devastating fire it was ordered that the walls that were still standing be taken down to a certain height and a memorial be built with the remaining bricks that represented the “footprint,” of the building.

Today you can still see the footprint of the Sam Houston Memorial Hall, the outlines of the classrooms, and the basement. During the Cold War, the Old Main basement was an official atomic bomb shelter. Now days the “Pit” is used for concerts, weddings, and special events.

THE GEORGE PEABODY MEMORIAL LIBRARY was built in 1901 to serve as the first library building on a college campus west of the Mississippi. The Peabody was named in honor of George Peabody, a northern business man who contributed money to start the Sam Houston Normal Institute. The Peabody was built in the shape of a cross and is 3792 square feet. By 1928 the college had outgrown the Peabody so when the Estill Library was built the Peabody became office and classroom space for the BearKat Band, faculty members, and dance classes. In the early 1980s, the Board of Regents voted to raze the tiny building. The public outcry kept away the wrecking ball and the building was redone to hold the University Archives. It housed the University Archives until. 2004. It is now used for university receptions, meetings and special events.

THE HARRY F. ESTILL BUILDING was built in 1928 as the 2nd library on campus and was named after the Sam Houston State President at the time, Harry Fishburne Estill.

The Estill Building served as a library until 1968 when the Newton Gresham Library was built. After 1968 the library served a multitude of uses and departments from Art to History. In 2002 the academic departments were moved out of the building and it became home to the concept of, “one stop service,” to student affairs offices, such as Registrar Office, Bursar, Undergraduate Admissions, and Financial Aide.

Be sure to look up to see the original sky light and down to see the Sam Houston mosaic on the floor of the lobby.

LOWMAN STUDENT CENTER was completed in 1964 at a cost of 2 million dollars.

The Harmon Lowman Student Center was named after SHSU’s 7th president, Harmon Lowman, who passed away in 1964. The new LSC contained a ballroom, Olympic sized swimming pool in the basement, a barber and beauty shop, bookstore, fine restaurant, banquet hall, an auditorium, lounge, and snack bar. In 1981, an addition was added on. This addition added the theater, additional meeting rooms, and a disco. In 1999 a much larger renovation was done. The swimming pool was closed and the pool area turned into the new ball room.

The old ballroom became the bookstore. Also included were the LSC gallery, atrium from the first to 3rd floor, student activities offices, and a sunken food court to add more food choices.

JACKSON SHAVER DORMS were completed in two different years. Andrew Jackson Hall was completed in 1939 and Charles Shaver Hall was completed in 1946. Jackson Hall was the 1st dorm built originally for only male students.

Andrew Jackson Hall was named after Sam Houston’s friend Andrew Jackson. Charles Shaver Hall is named after SHSTC’s 6th President. In 1975 Jackson Shaver was closed to make way for renovation for the Houston Oilers who were staying at Sam Houston State for their summer practice camp. Today both the Halls are co-ed., have in-rooms safes, and have a view of the Sam Houston Memorial Park Complex.

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Bearkat Buzz SHSU TRADITIONS

It is doubtful those who coined the “BearKat” nickname had a kinkajou in mind, however.

More likely, the name came from a popular local saying of the time, “tough as a BearKat!” The late Reed Lindsey, who was a student/ athlete in the 1920s and later retired as University registrar, once said, “It was a good fighting name of the time.” Since the animal in the saying was thought more mythical than real, the spelling settled upon was “BearKat.”

MARCH TO THE GRAVE

Sam Houston was born March 2, 1793 in Rockbridge, Virginia. He eventually moved to Texas and served as Major General during the Texas Revolution. Sam Houston was a key figure in the important battle of San Jacinto in which Texas gained its independence. Upon creation of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston was elected as the first president. After serving in several governmental roles, Sam Houston died on July 26, 1863 and was buried in Huntsville.

The March to the Grave began in 1893 in honor of Sam Houston’s birthday and Texas Independence Day. Every March 2nd, SHSU faculty, staff, students, and alumni gather at Old Main Pit and march to Sam Houston’s gravesite for a ceremony in which various dignitaries from the community speak.

In the late 1940s, then SHSU president Harmon Lowman attempted to change the SHSU mascot from BearKats to “Ravens” (after General Sam Houston’s Cherokee nickname). Mrs. Vernon Schuder reported that the alumni were polled, she voted for the raven but that “all those old BearKats beat us out!”

SHSU had a live kinkajou mascot in 1952 but the animal did not adapt to captivity and quickly was released from his duties. The current Sammy BearKat mascot

TRIPOD

‘SAMMY THE BEARKAT’ MASCOT

Sam Houston State University’s athletic teams have been nicknamed “The BearKats” since 1923 when the Texas State Legislature changed the University’s name from Sam Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston State Teachers College. Prior to 1923, the varsity sports teams were nicknamed “The Normals”.

Early references to “BearKats” spelled the name either “Bearcats”, “Bear Cats” or “BearKats”. A bearcat actually is a kinkajou, a carnivorous mammal native to South America 10 to 12 inches in length with whiskers like a cat that sits up on its hind haunches like a bear. A nocturnal creature, it is known to be ferocious if provoked.

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On Tuesday, January 9, 1962, a man’s best friend died. He had been the unofficial mascot for Sam Houston State for over fifteen years.

The exact date of his arrival on campus is uncertain. Some reports indicate he was here in 1941, while other reports state 1948. He just appeared, with his crippled left front leg.

He was a mixed breed dog, described as a “mustard-colored mutt.” He was immediately “adopted” by the student body. He had no master and no permanent home. No one seemed to know how he had become lame.

Tripod, as he was named by the students, loved a parade and football games.

He managed to be on the scene of all major activities. He ate at dorms or fraternity houses.

He slept in apartments and dorms. He never lacked for food, affection, or medical care.

He made his annual visit to the veterinarian, carried by a friend. He always managed to have a new collar when one was needed.

On Friday, January 12, 1962, he was buried on the hill in front of Old Main. Huntsville Funeral Home furnished a baby casket, and

the Student Senate served as pall bearers. A three gun salute was given by the ROTC. Dr. Harmon Lowman, President of Sam Houston State, paid tribute to Tripod. The band was on hand to play. Hundreds of students attended the last rites. Two full pages in the “1962 Alcalde” were dedicated to the services for Tripod.

Death was attributed to old age and freezing weather conditions. Later a monument was erected to the memory of Tripod, the unofficial mascot. Engraving on the stone reads: “TRIPOD, 1941-1962, Beloved mascot, loyal supporter, friend of Students.”

BEARKAT CAMP

BearKat Camp is a four day/three night experience for incoming SHSU Freshmen.

New students experience the spirit, pride and tradition that have been part of Sam Houston students since 1879. Incoming freshmen are engaged in learning activities that are interactive and student led. Camp keeps students moving with a variety of group activities like tribal competitions, pride groups, socials and optional activities like sand volleyball, basketball, ropes course and a giant water catapult called the blob. BearKat Camp provides opportunities for students to build lasting friendships with many other members of the freshman class…friendships that allow students to feel comfortable and at home, as they become part of the Sam Houston community.

OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY RING & RING CEREMONY

The ring ceremony, first held in 2004, which was the 125th anniversary of Sam Houston State University, was established to create a new tradition for those who purchase the official University ring. The official ring was unveiled during the 2003 homecoming festivities and was designed by a committee comprised of student representatives, alumni and university administrators and faculty.

The goal of the committee was to develop a distinctive design that would reflect pride in Sam Houston State University, would be easily identifiable and would stand the test of time.

The ring design comprises, on one side of the ring, a representation of Sam Houston, the year of the student’s graduation and “1879,” the year Sam Houston Normal Institute was established to educate and train teachers. Austin Hall is depicted on the opposite side, with a bit of the “footprint” of Old Main near its steps. The crest of the ring includes a background star

Engage. Involve. Connect.

and swaying on the final refrain. This very old custom is usually the final traditional act of students graduating from SHSU, and the image stays with them for many years.

‘SAM…’HOUSTON’ CHANT/CHEER

symbolizing the State of Texas, and a raised “SH,” the official university logo adopted in 2001. Cast into the inside of the ring is the word “Honor.” When Sam Houston joined the U.S. Army in 1813, Elizabeth Houston (Sam’s mother) understood her son’s decision. She placed a small gold band on his finger with a one-word inscription – HONOR. In 2013 a new aspect of the Ring Ceremony was introduced, where all the rings that are to be distributed at the ceremony, are placed in Sam Houston’s Home (on the Sam Houston Memorial Museum Grounds) overnight in his bedroom. The day of the ceremony, the rings are then transported, by the SHSU ROTC to the ceremony host site.

NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION The official induction and welcoming event for new students and their parents. New students are officially inducted into higher education and officially deemed Bearkats by SHSU President Dana Hoyt. In attendance are the university vice presidents, deans, faculty, staff, and students. Dinner and music will be provided afterwards on coliseum grounds. For more information, contact the First Year Experience Office.

COMMENCEMENT

Although commencement programs are traditions, they are not unique to Sam Houston State University. However, at least one function included in the commencement programs is distinctive: the singing of Auld Lang Syne, with the clasping of hands on the last verse and the raising of the hands

Around 2010 a new chant/cheer started appearing at SHSU sporting events and various university functions. At various durations, one side of the audience yells ‘SAM’ then immediately following the other side of the audience yells ‘HOUSTON’. This is then repeated several times, with the sides competing to see who can be the loudest, while also raising school spirit and pride.

THE UNIVERSITY MACE

The University Mace is symbolic of the authority of the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Office of the President of Sam Houston State University.

The mace, used in academic convocations, is carried by the senior tenured faculty member of the University. The initial use of the University Mace at Sam Houston State University was for the occasion of the summer commencement on August 20, 1988.

The walnut staff is bound in brass and has a hexagonal head with inlays of pecan denoting the state tree and recessed brass medallions cast with designs for General Sam Houston, Austin Hall, Old Main, BearKats, and the completion date of the mace. The walnut holder base or stall is six-sided to match the mace head. The crown of the mace is a circular casting bearing the name of the 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.

‘BATTLE OF THE PINEY WOODS’

The Battle of the Piney Woods is the rivalry between the Sam Houston State BearKats and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks.

The rivalry is currently the second longest in the FCS with BearKats leading the series 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 came away with a 31-28 victory in the debut game at Reliant Stadium in front of a record crowd of 24,685. In 2012, the contract for Reliant Stadium was extended through 2017.

In March of 2015 it was announced that NRG stadium would become the permanent home of the rivalry.

The rivalry is not only in football but also in men’s basketball where the Lumberjacks hold a slight lead 95-94 all-time, the last game was the 189th and extended the rivalry to 87 seasons. In the 2010 season, airing on ESPN2, the conference championship featured the “Piney Woods” rivalry in the finals with the BearKats coming out on top 64-48 to win the 2010 Southland Conference tournament and go onto play Baylor in the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament.

Since 2007, the winner of the “Battle of the Piney Woods” has earned a 21-pound solid cedar trophy that displays replica pistols attached to a tombstone. The logos from both universities are engraved on the handle of the pistols above name plates that will display the outcomes of the contest for the next two decades.

Prior to the trophy, a pair of Colt Walker Pistols were the original prize awarded to the winning team, beginning with the 1976 contest in the Houston Astrodome.

These pistols were lost over time and have not been recovered.

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Bearkat Buzz DID YOU KNOW?

Over 90 undergraduate degree programs More than 60 master’s programs 8 doctoral programs Faculty to student ratio of 23:1 with an average class size of 33 students 74% of the faculty members hold doctoral or terminal degrees More than 260 student organizations Recreational sports program with outdoor and indoor facilities

Founded in 1879 and named after Texas’ greatest hero, General Sam Houston Beautiful 367 acre main university campus in Huntsville, Texas 21,224 students enrolled as of Fall 2018

Planetarium and observatory University Raven Nest Golf Course USA Today’s Top 50 in the U.S. for “commitment to civic engagement and global awareness”

A diverse student body representing 60 countries

Student-published newspaper

NCAA Division I athletic program

Total annual 2018-19 budget of $364 million (approx. 25% comes from The State of Texas)

Classified as a “Doctoral Research University” by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, placing SHSU in top 7% of all U.S. colleges & universities Recognized by Princeton Review as one of the “Best in the West” universities Named by U.S. News & World Report as a university “Growing Fast, Staying Friendly” Only school in Texas offering a concentration in PGA Golf Management, 1 of 18 in U.S. Only AACSB accredited bachelor’s degree program in the U.S. for Banking and Financial Institutions Named to top 10 performing institutions in the country for Latino students From fall 2010 to fall 2017, our African American students increased by 36% and Hispanic students increased by 78%

ELITE program supports minority males: 150 students Avg GPA 3.0 Retention 88% Student Money Management Center Ranked 5 out of “Top 50 Financial Literacy Programs of 2018” by LendU Named among the “Best Online Colleges for Veterans and their families in 2018”