Traditions
As a relatively young four-year institution, having expanded in 2010 to serve freshmen and sophomores, Texas A&M University-Victoria is growing at a rapid pace. And so are campus traditions. Students who want to make their mark and start new traditions should join the Student Government Association, the voice of the student body. Below are some A&M-Victoria traditions.
jaX
The jaguar, which is the largest cat in North America, is a fierce and powerful animal that became our mascot in 2007. It is an animal that is both smart and muscular, a fitting symbol of what it takes to be successful on the field and in the classroom. It also is an animal that once heavily populated this region.
A jaguar sculpture was donated in 2009 by local artist Harold Nichols. He originally created the 250-pound, plate steel sculpture in 1973 when he was a business manager at Victoria College, where he worked until his retirement in 1980. He then became a full-time artist. Nichols also had ties to the university after working here for a year beginning in 1974 as the part-time fiscal officer of what was then known as the University of Houston Victoria Center.
After he created the jaguar, Nichols placed it outside the Farmers Co-Op, also known as the Old Thurmond Building, 905 S. Bridge St. He owned the property before selling part of the complex to the Victoria Art League in 1999.
In 2010, a Jaguar Naming Contest occurred to name the sculpture. The naming contest received more than 200 suggestions from employees and students, the community and local school children. The selected name was “jaX,” because Jaguars Are eXceptional. The sculpture rests between the University Center and University West buildings. It’s said to be a bit of a good luck charm, as you can often see students rubbing the head of jaX before they take exams in order to ensure academic success.
In August 2012, jaX the Jaguar, the official university mascot, made his debut at the university. You can find jaX at athletic games and other student activities, as well as in the community at a variety of different events. In June 2015, a real-life jaguar, also named jaX, made his debut at the Texas Zoo. jaX came to Victoria from the Wild World of Animals in Pennsylvania. Later in the fall of 2015, the university SGA officially adopted the hashtag #JAXNATION for use on social media when talking about A&M-Victoria.
Hand Sign
The official hand sign came into existence in April of 2015 after over a year of research of other institutions by the SGA. It was created to enhance school spirit and bring students together behind a unifying symbol. The sign is made using the right hand by folding down the ring finger at the second knuckle and curving the other fingers slightly. The curve is meant to represent a jaguar’s claws and the ring finger is placed downward, so that the remaining fingers represent the four toes on a jaguar's paw.
The Jaguar Ring
A Legacy Forged in Jaguar Pride
The Texas AUM University-Victoria Jaguar Ring is more than jewelry. it is a lasting symbol of achievement, connection and Jaguar pride. The rind represents the culmination of a student's academic journey and serves as a lifelong reminder of the friendships, memories and experiences that shaped their time at A&M-Victoria.
Each detail of the official Texas A&M University-Victoria class ring was intentionally designed to reflect the university’s history, traditions and future. When graduates wear their ring, they carry with them a lasting connection to their fellow alumni, faculty, mentors, the Victoria community and the Texas A&M University System. Rings may be purchased by A&M-Victoria alumni or students who have completed at least 60 credit hours toward their degree by visiting Balfour.
The Meaning Behind the Ring
University Seal – Displayed prominently on the top of the ring, the official university seal represents academic achievement, integrity and the enduring value of an A&M-Victoria education.
The Jaguar Statue – The Jaguar symbol featured on the side of the ring is inspired by the iconic Jaguar statue located on campus. It represents strength, determination, leadership and Jaguar pride.
The Texas Star – The star incorporated into the ring design serves as a tribute to the State of Texas, the Texas A&M University System and the bold future of A&M-Victoria.
Established 1973 – The founding year proudly recognizes the university’s beginnings and the generations of Jaguars who continue to shape its legacy.
A class ring is a visible reminder of the hard work and perseverance required to reach graduation, the friendships and memories made at A&M-Victoria, and each graduate’s place in the Jaguar legacy.
Whether worn at graduation, professional milestones, alumni events or family celebrations, the Jaguar Ring represents a lifelong bond with the A&M-Victoria community.
Ring Blessing & Ring Celebration
Each spring, A&M-Victoria celebrates the tradition of the Jaguar Ring with two special events. The day before the Ring Celebration, all class rings are placed in a tube within jaX’s habitat at the Texas Zoo, where they are blessed by jaX, A&M-Victoria’s beloved Jaguar. The following day, ring recipients, along with their family and friends, gather on the A&M-Victoria campus for the Ring Celebration. A special occasion honoring their achievements and welcoming them into the legacy of Jaguar Ring recipients.
Wear it proudly. Carry your legacy.
Rings may be purchased through Balfour. For information about ordering an official A&M-Victoria class ring or the Jaguar Ring Blessing and Celebration, contact the University Advancement Office at (361) 570-4848 or alumni@tamuv.edu.
Alma Mater
The creation of the A&M-Victoria alma mater began in 2017 as a Student Government Association initiative. The process became a collaborative effort between A&M-Victoria students, faculty, staff and alumni who were part of an alma mater committee. On May 2, 2018 the alma mater was revealed at an unveiling event held at Pyramid Row. Here are the words to the alma mater. It is sung to the tune of “Far Above Cayuga's Waters”. Since our university's transition to the Texas A&M University System, our alma mater is still being updated. We hope to unveil it soon enough!
Jaguar Pillars
Our most recent tradition, the Jaguar Pillars, were created by the Student Government Association during the 2021-2022 academic school year.
The students at the Texas A&M University Victoria (A&M-Victoria) are committed to instilling the following Jaguar Pillars in academic, leadership, service, and social opportunities throughout our college journey and beyond. We proudly embody these pillars as core values to cultivate a welcoming and empowering student community that bridges academic and social experiences.
Authentic – Jaguars value a self-identity that is original and celebrated. We are honest, sincere in our beliefs, and embrace unbiased spaces that fuel the culture of learning.
Courageous – Jaguars are fearless in our pursuit of excellence. We dare to be different in all that we do and possess an inner strength that enables us to persevere through challenges.
Selfless – Jaguars consistently do what is right without regard to difficulty or convenience. We are generous, compassionate, and persistent in our efforts to help individuals achieve success in life.
United – Jaguars recognize that individuals brought together are stronger than standing alone. We welcome, support, and respect every member of our community to build a vibrant campus environment.
Visionary – Jaguars are imaginative and dedicated forward-thinkers. We encourage others to manifest passions, embody a growth mindset, and transform dreams into reality.