In the realm of Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) academia, there is hardly a more recognizable icon than our school logo, the Screaming Javelina.
From athletics to student organizations and merchandise, this icon is the symbol chosen to represent Texas A&M University-Kingsville and by extension its students, faculty and staff. But, to those who may have been around to remember it, a predecessor to the Screaming Javelina once held this prestigious status of university representation.
Of course, I am talking about none other than Porky the Javelina.
Just as the Screaming Javelina logo is synonymous with TAMUK, Porky also represents the school, but from a different era.
Before TAMUK’s inclusion into the Texas A&M University system in 1989 and the acquisition of its current name in 1993, TAMUK was known as Texas A&I University, which was heralded by its iconic logo, Porky the Javelina.
Just as the name of Texas A&I, Porky was left behind as the official university logo after the merge into the A&M system and assigned to his current place as a member of the Javelina Heritage Collection.
“My personal preference is Porky, and the rich history of the university that it represents. I don’t have anything against the new logo, but that’s just not what I’m associated with. Porky evokes memories of our past, when we were dominant in football, good memories,” Martin Chapa, former president of the Javelina Alumni Association, said.
Though alumni may still use Porky, it is currently restricted from representing the university in official capacity as stated in the Graphic Standards guide published by the TAMUK Office of Marketing & Communications.
“Typically, departments or organizations cannot use the Porky unless it’s [of the Texas A&I era] or it is honoring alumni from that period,” Jesse Garza Careón, design and brand manager, said.
When I first learned this, I was highly surprised, to say the least. Coming from a background of TAMUK and Texas A&I alumni, I have been exposed to the Porky logo nearly my entire life. I began to wonder why such restrictions were placed on what I, and my alumni family, consider to be an iconic symbol.
“[Porky] belongs to the alumni,” Adriana Garza-Flores, interim associate vice president of marketing and communications, said.
“Typically, departments or organizations cannot use the Porky unless it’s [of the Texas A&I era] or it is honoring alumni from that period,” Jesse Garza Careón, design and brand manager, said.
It is here that we come to the crux; just whom should Porky represent?
In my opinion, Porky should be brought back into the university mainstream.
While the Screaming Javelina is a noble attempt made 25 years ago to reimagine the university’s identity, it fails to capture the spirit of the university and its history as Porky did.