TYLER, Texas — In the spring of 2018, the University of Texas at Tyler unveiled a total redesign of its original 1979 logo and announced exciting plans to create a new mascot.
However, following CBS19's exclusive coverage of a school-sponsored contest asking for ideas for a new mascot, we also spoke with UT Tyler alumni who had reached out to the university to let their thoughts on the possible change be known.
This prompted UT Tyler to keep "Swoop the Eagle" as the university's mascot.
UT Tyler President Dr. Michael Tidwell says his team went through several designs and concepts as they attempted to find a mascot that best represents the spirit of the university.
He says the feedback from everyone connected to the school, including alumni, did not go unnoticed, and ultimately served as reason why they chose to keep the beloved eagle.
Amy Knight is one student who was present for Friday's announcement. She instantly cheered with excitement as Dr. Tidwell shared the news the university would not replace its mascot.
"From the time when I was about six to now, obviously, I've been a big 'Swoop' fan," Knight explained. "'Swoop' was part of my growing up, like I literally had it in my bedroom as a child."
The UT Tyler sophomore comes from a family of Patriots.
"When the school first started a little bit, my dad and some other family went here, but they didn't get to finish because it was a different era," Knight said. "It was just expensive. They just couldn't afford college, so they had to drop out."
Before knowing what the university's administration had up its sleeve, Knight says the thought of losing "Swoop" hit her particularly hard.
"My dad passed away a couple of years ago," she said. "Not having my dad has been really hard. So, just knowing that they were keeping it, it was almost like he was here with me. So, that was a legacy that I got to keep knowing that it's not going away. And I felt like, I know this is silly, but like if it goes away, did I lose a part of my dad because we fought so long for me to be a UT Tyler student."
As a member of the university's Student and Campus Activities Organization, Knight says she would have supported any decision made by the administration, even if it meant saying goodbye to "Swoop."
"I'd be a little sad," Knight said. "Our legacy would be gone, but we could start a new one. Bu,t I'm glad we have a president that sees the vision, that we love 'Swoop' and that we want to stay and keep the brand that we have."
"Swoop" attends all home games for the UT Tyler volleyball and basketball teams. The mascot also participates in a variety of spirit-oriented events such as homecoming, Patriot Palooza (Welcome Week) and attends cheerleading/dance camp with the spirit squads.
The university was founded in 1971 as Tyler State College. Four years later, it was renamed Texas Eastern University before joining the University of Texas System in 1979.
In 1998, UT Tyler became a four-year and graduate institution, following the full U.S. university pattern (educating students from the freshman level through graduate and postgraduate levels).
Dr. Tidwell says "Swoop" will get a new look and the university hopes to unveil the updated mascot during Homecoming Week in April.