San Jacinto College debuts new College mascot

PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College debuted its new Raven mascot with spirit rallies on the South, Central, and North Campuses on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

The rallies were attended by San Jacinto College Board of Trustees members, employees, and students and celebrated the announcement of Poe the Raven.

“We are so excited to introduce our Raven, Poe, to our College community,” said Dr. Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College vice chancellor for strategic initiatives. “We all have a special place in our hearts for our three historic mascots, but it’s time for one mascot to be part of all the milestones and growth that we will have in the future at San Jacinto College.”

Last fall, San Jacinto College began the process of selecting a new mascot. A committee of employees and students from all campuses and work areas representing the College’s diverse community of stakeholders sought suggestions for a new mascot. More than 1,700 people submitted more than 50 ideas. The committee narrowed it down to two for the San Jacinto College community to vote on — the Jaguar and the Raven. More than 6,200 votes were cast, and the Raven will now represent San Jacinto College as the mascot.

As San Jacinto College’s original mascot chosen by students more than 60 years ago, the Raven has been an integral piece of tradition throughout the College’s history. The Raven was originally selected as a nod to General Sam Houston, whom the Cherokee Nation named “Colonneh,” which translates to “The Raven.” General Houston led the Texas Army at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 that won Texas its independence.

The Ravens began what has been a rich athletics history for San Jacinto College with nationally ranked basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field teams that produced 12 national championships and several professional athletes since the early 1960s. Ravens are also said to represent intelligence, resourcefulness, wisdom, adaptability, and opportunity. The new Raven will serve as an echo to tradition and as an opportunity for rebirth and redefining new traditions for new generations of students, alumni, and community members.

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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. The College is one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, serving approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It 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. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.