MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas College celebrated its 30th anniversary on Friday with the unveiling of a new logo that pays homage to the institution’s past while representing its re-envisioned goals for the future.
At their annual fall convocation held at the McAllen Convention Center, STC President Ricardo Solis spoke about the college’s rebranding to an audience of 2000, consisting of community leaders, elected officials and STC faculty and staff.
“In the year ahead, we’ll be working on a new vision and mission for a five-year plan,” said Solis. “Many of you in leadership positions will be called to serve on this project at this time as we move into a new era of transition. The first phase of this has been rebranding – a chance for us to look back at who we have been, but more importantly, who we want to become.”
Solis reflected on STC’s humble beginnings as single-campus South Texas Community College in 1993 to the “robust” college system serving close to 50,000 students in degree and certificate programs across six campuses today. While he recognized the institution’s past leaders and accomplishments, he highlighted new and upcoming programs and partnerships, many that will launch next year.
Some of the programs involve one of STC’s biggest partners – Texas A&M University. Students interested in becoming a veterinarian technician, dental hygienist or engineer can now get their start through the collaboration beginning in 2024. For STC faculty, a partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will provide them an opportunity to earn their doctoral degree at a discounted price. Additional programs in development include those for artificial intelligence, digital video and camera production, massage therapy, network security, cybersecurity, robotics, international business and architecture.
“We know what it takes to put STC at the forefront of higher education in Texas,” said Solis. “… My platform is one of transformation and innovation. I recognize that sometimes I make our trustees a little nervous because I go at one speed: fast and furious. No time to waste. The cabinet knows full well that I advocate to promote and preach the need for bold solutions, innovative partnerships and responsible risks.”
To encapsulate the college’s rebirth, STC Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing Lynda Lopez and her team got to work. After 18 months of research, workshops and focus groups, they created a fresh logo for STC’s next phase – the unveiling of which was the showstopper of the event. Taking inspiration from the school’s mascot, the new emblem’s triangular design is reminiscent of a rosette on a jaguar’s pelt and incorporates the school’s gold and navy-blue colors. During her presentation, Lopez thanked her team, including STC Director of Creative Arts Adam McGrath, whom she credited with much of the college’s rebranded art style.
“It’s really all about a new look for a new era,” said Lopez. “… We are not the old STC anymore.”
Commercials featuring the new logo will be aired and updated merchandise will be available to introduce the public to the latest and most promising face of STC.
