Corpus Christi, TX,
01
May
2017
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23:00 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

The Viking Makes His Home At DMC on April 27

Article by: Melinda Eddleman

The vision to create a more collegiate atmosphere began in 2010 with research to develop a new mascot. The “landing” was Thursday, April 27.

During a pep rally-like unveiling, Del Mar College revealed the new “official” Viking mascot. The design had been under wraps for several months.

Watch highlights below:

“Just like a journey that the Viking takes to see the world, Del Mar College is embarking on a new chapter in our history by introducing an official mascot to represent the College,” said Dr. Rito Silva, Vice President for Student Affairs. “We’re establishing another level of the collegiate experience for our students, which is an important symbol of pride, while also presenting a new ambassador for both the campus and general communities.”

Under the leadership of Dr. Silva, the Mascot Development Committee--including Claudia Jackson, Jay Knioum and Melinda Eddleman with College Relations and Beverly Cage, who oversees Student Leadership and Campus Life--selected Raymond Entertainment (raymondeg.com/) for consulting and development services of a mascot for the College.

Company owner Dave Raymond is a character building expert who works with corporations, sports teams and institutions of higher education, both colleges and universities, all over the country. Raymond also is the original Phillie Phanatic, the well-known official mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team.

The Viking, which was first recognized as DMC’s mascot in 1939, has remained a very strong image among alumni and current students. Developing a Viking “character” that appealed to all target audiences was key and required understanding the psychological factors behind that appeal.

Raymond led a mascot development focus group in mid-August 2016 to develop initial character designs for consideration using input from students, alumni, faculty and individuals representing both Exempt and Nonexempt staff. In January 2017, the College’s advertising agency of record––Morehead, Dotts & Rybak––led a similar focus group to collect input and recommended changes for the final Viking mascot design.

The final design was determined and costume production company, Avant Garb, was contracted to produce the Viking mascot costume. “The Viking” was then ready for his introduction.

While Del Mar College does not maintain competitive sports teams, use of the Viking will serve to build a recognizable presence during DMC and local off-campus events, including Board of Regents presentations, off-campus recruitment events, DMC Foundation donor recognitions, Alumni Association functions, student and special campus events and area entertainment and sporting events that provide opportunities for Coastal Bend organizations’ mascots to appear–such as the Corpus Christi Hooks games, Buccaneer Days and Junior Livestock Shows for both Nueces and San Patricio Counties.

The new Viking mascot also will support Del Mar’s expanded branding activities targeting young students in elementary through high school grades while they are at an age critical to developing a “college-going” perspective.

This fall, the College will hold a contest to name its newest “DMC family member.” Watch for details!

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.