For more information:
Jack Beresford
JoAnna Clark
(619) 594-5204
Pager: (619) 620-1184
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Montezuma to Remain 'Heart of SDSU's Aztec Tradition,'
President Weber Decides
Montezuma to Become SDSU's Aztec AmbassadorSAN DIEGO, Tuesday, May 15, 2001-Montezuma will remain the "heart of Aztec tradition" at SDSU, President Stephen L. Weber announced today.
"Montezuma has been a fixture in the San Diego community for more than six decades and is revered by generations of SDSU students, alumni and supporters," Weber said. "For many, Montezuma embodies the Aztec pride, valor, strength, diversity and intellectual achievement that has shaped SDSU, and I agree.
"Montezuma will remain the heart of SDSU's Aztec tradition."
Weber said he would officially elevate Montezuma from the university's mascot to the position of SDSU's Aztec Ambassador.
"As Aztec Ambassador for SDSU, Montezuma will fulfill a role more befitting of his position as emperor, more befitting of our educational mission and SDSU's special relationship with Mexico," he said.
As Aztec Ambassador, Montezuma's role will expand beyond his presence on the playing field to one that also has responsibility for informing and educating the San Diego community about Aztec history and culture. Montezuma will continue as a symbol of Aztec pride at many university functions, including sporting events.
"We are proud of our student athletes," Weber said. "It is perfectly fitting that Montezuma be present at athletic contests as an expression of that pride. He will not, however, fulfill the cheerleading role of a university mascot."
Weber's decision follows a broad-based campus discussion that involved thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and friends of SDSU. In November 2000, Weber announced the university would retain its affiliation with Aztec culture and traditions and would continue to use Montezuma as a symbol of SDSU.
Weber convened the Task Force on Aztec Identity -- comprised of representatives appointed by the leaders of the Associated Students, the University Senate, the Alumni Association, and him -- to review San Diego State's logos and depictions of Montezuma and make recommendations regarding the appropriateness or inappropriateness of how SDSU uses Aztec symbols in its logos and mascot.
"I congratulate and thank the Task Force for its diligent work," Weber said. "They have done a great service to the university in elevating the debate on this important issue and in giving the complexities the study and thoughtful deliberations they deserve."
Among other decisions announced today by President Weber:
* The University will officially refer to Montezuma by his full name. "Monty" will no longer be used in campus literature, on-campus establishments or other uses; however, the SDSU Alumni Association may continue to utilize and promote its alumni achievement award, The Monty, as the highest honor it bestows on outstanding Alumni, faculty and staff
* SDSU will drop the depiction of red faces from its logos and will redesign its logos in a way that accurately reflects Aztec culture; SDSU will consult with design professionals and others with expertise in Aztec culture in the design of new logos
* The university will develop a series of activities and identify other opportunities to celebrate Aztec culture throughout the year
* SDSU will avoid native North American imagery in its symbols and logos
A schedule will be developed by which red faced logos and the "Monty" nickname on stationery and other literature, merchandise, buildings, facilities and other installations, including the basketball surface in Cox Arena, will be replaced with new logos or word marks. Most will be timed to coincide with the object's ordinary repair, resurfacing and/or replacement schedule, with most changes expected to be completed by Fall 2003.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and doctorate's in 13. SDSU's more than 31,000 students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, log onto www.sdsu.edu.
###
