Introducing Izzy the Islander: Same Name, Same Islander Spirit, New Look!
Izzy the Islander – Official Mascot of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
On May 4, 2022, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi unveiled an updated version of its mascot, Izzy. The updated Izzy is a blue character with waves of green and blue hair. The mascot wears board shorts and sunglasses, showcasing a coastal lifestyle, but can easily change into a sports jersey or even a suit to match the event Izzy attends. Merchandise featuring Izzy can be purchased online or at the Campus Store in the University Center.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas –Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has unveiled the updated version of its mascot, Izzy. The debut was held at a May 4 pep rally prior to the South Texas Showdown, the annual baseball rivalry game against University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
The updated Izzy is a blue character with waves of green and blue hair. The mascot wears board shorts and sunglasses, showcasing a coastal lifestyle, but can easily change into a sports jersey or even a suit to match the event Izzy attends. Additionally, Izzy will carry a surfboard. There are currently three surfboard designs, created by Islander alumni Monica Marie Garcia ’11, ’14, Sandra Gonzalez ’11, and Malachy McKinney ’09. Each board incorporates images suggested through a survey sent to the entire Islander community. Images reflect campus history and traditions, along with South Texas culture.
A task force worked to develop the new look after the university received a letter from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs noting the previous mascot’s tiki mask and tribal tattoo hold sacred meaning to Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. The report also mentioned the university’s use of other Hawaiian elements, such as the shaka and leis, are symbols with more global usage and visibility.
Jon Palumbo, Director of Islanders Athletics, said the task force’s work centered around addressing the concerns raised in the letter while creating a mascot that stayed true to the Islanders brand. The result, he said, is a mascot with a fun loving, friendly personality designed for all Islanders.
“Historically, some of our biggest fans used to paint themselves blue to show school spirit,” said Palumbo. “They created a fan group called the Blue Crew to show school spirit and cheer for our teams, and we thought it would be a good idea to pay homage to that spirit with Izzy.”
After the pep rally, Izzy led the crowd to the Islanders Baseball game where the mascot threw out the first pitch. Later the same night, Izzy will also attend Late Night Breakfast, a campus tradition that offers students a hearty meal to kick off final’s week.
“I want to thank the task force for their work,” said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, President and CEO of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “With such a wide variety of views on what the mascot should be and how it should look, we knew we would not be able to incorporate every idea. This diverse task force came up with a great concept that incorporates our history and simultaneously embraces what the Island University will become.”
Rickabaugh Graphics, a company that specializes in creating and/or updating university mascots, assisted with the project.
Merchandise featuring Izzy can be purchased online or at the Campus Store in the University Center.
