Student Activities - w w w . t a m u k . e d u / s a s s

HISTORY AND TRADITIONS

QUICK FACTS:

University Founded:     1925

Location:                      Kingsville , Texas

Enrollment:                   approximately 6,500

President:                     Dr. Rumaldo Z. Juarez

Mascot:                        Javelina

Conference:                 Lone Star

Colors:                         Blue and Gold

THE LOGO

The logo projects Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s affiliation with the Texas A&M University System. The official three-color version also celebrates the school colors of blue and gold, the landmark College Hall tower and the university’s roots in Kingsville . Input from all of the university’s constituents was highly important to the logo’s development and final adoption in January 1994.

THE UNIVERSITY RING

At the very core of Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s shared values is an intangible link between the past, present and future. The official university ring is a major part of the university’s tradition. The ring is custom crafted. It carries the university’s symbols and other features that capture the school’s experience. Over the years, the university has changed and a seamless gold circle holds together the many people who have changed it. After all, tradition isn’t just about what each student received from the university; it’s about the legacy that its graduates leave behind. Students are eligible to receive their rings when they have completed 75 hours of university credit, at least 30 of which must be completed at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The president, at a formal ceremony, presents university rings each semester. Students unable to attend the ceremony may receive their ring after completion of the ceremony. At commencement, students will rotate the ring from facing inward, to facing outward, showing the world they are proud graduates of A&M-Kingsville!

THE TOWER CHIMES

The chimes in the College Hall tower began playing during the inauguration of Mr. Marc Cisneros, our 15^th president. The chimes reflect our rich cultural heritage with the inclusion of our alma mater, the Javelina Fight Song and Jalisco. In addition, the clock strikes “ Westminster ” chimes on the hour and every quarter hour. The alma mater is played following the striking of the clock at noon. It is hoped that the rich tones of the chimes will forever be a reminder of what it felt to walk on our beautiful campus and “Be Somebody.”

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

The Javelina spirit is very rich and proud. The Javelina family celebrates this spirit during the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Established in 2000, all trees along the beautiful University Boulevard and College Hall circle north of Santa Gertrudis are decorated with white lights during the holiday season. Students assemble the second Friday of November to carefully wrap each tree with the lights. One week before Thanksgiving, the lights are lit during a special ceremony in front of College Hall as holiday songs are sung.

ALMA MATER

Hail AMK! We pledge anew

Aims that are high,

Devotion deep and true.

And though we may part,

And though we’re far away,

Still loyal each heart

To AMK.

JALISCO

Ay! Jalisco, Jalisco tu tienes tu novia que es Guadalajara.

Muchacha, bonita, la perla mas rara de todo Jalisco es mi Guadalajara.

A mi me gusta escuchar los mariachis cantar con el alma sus lindas canciones.

Oir como suenan esos gitarrones y echarme un tequila con los valentones.

Ay! Jalisco no te rajes. Me sale del alma gritar con calor,

abrir todo el pecho pa’ echar este grito. Que lindo es Jalisco palabra de honor.

FIGHT SONG

Fight, fight for ole AMK!

Hail that grand ole name

Fight, fight, no one can deny

We’re out to win this game.

So never stop

‘Till the last gun is fired

And the score is told.

Sock their kabinas, you Javelinas

Blue and Gold. (eight count lyric rest)

Go you Javelinas,

Fight for AMK!

(eight count lyric rest)

Go you Javelinas,

Fight for AMK! (eight count lyric rest)

Bust their old machines

Right between the eyes

Hit ‘em high, hit ‘em low

Give ‘em everything you’ve got

Rah, rah, rah, rah, rah, rah, rah,

Yea team! Yea team!

JAVELINA PLEDGE

By attending Texas A&M University-Kingsville, we make an important decision to become part of a friendly and unique academic community. As students, we pledge to uphold honorable and high standards. As Javelinas we realize that we have responsibilities to achieve and make a positive difference in our community. With this decision we

J oin an academic community with proud past and promising future;

A ccept our classmates as friends and equals;

V alue education and the opportunities it provides;

E ncourage others to achieve excellence in their lives and careers;

L ead by being positive models;

I nvolve ourselves in service to others;

N avigate the challenges of life with vision, honor and hard work;

A lign ourselves with the tenets of freedom, honesty, responsibility and integrity.

We know that we must go beyond the boundaries of current knowledge and prepare ourselves for promising futures. We must always remember that we are important in the world. We will make the world a better place. We are proud. We are Javelinas.

FRESHMAN CONVOCATION

Established in 1999 as a new tradition, Freshman Convocation is a ceremony designed to welcome incoming first year, first semester students, family and friends to the university. Resplendent in their academic regalia, the faculty processional gives students a preview of the ceremonial splendor that awaits them at their graduation. The convocation ceremony allows faculty and administrators to introduce themselves to new students. It also provides an opportunity for the provost and president to share their vision of the university, their expectations for what the university should provide and an overview of what students can do to succeed. The convocation includes a faculty processional and recessional, the “Javelina Pledge” led by the president of the Student Government Association, a guest speaker and the singing of the Alma Mater during the ceremony. Convocation is required for all new incoming freshmen enrolled for the fall semester. A reception immediately follows the convocation ceremony. Student organizations are invited to set up display tables at the reception to showcase their groups and to recruit new members.

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