Courtesy of SWC
By Nena Lopez
Left for dead as political roadkill, the controversial jaguar statue project has roared back to life.
On a 3-2 vote the Southwestern College Governing Board allotted $19,700 from the college general fund to commission a six-foot statue of a jaguar to be installed somewhere near the University Center. Trustees Don Dumas, Kristine Galicia-Brown and Nicholas Segura voted in favor of the statue, while Robert Moreno and Corina Soto were opposed. Student trustee Mercedes Robles represented the Associated Student Organization and also voted no. As a non-elected trustee her vote is advisory.
Moreno said he actually liked the idea of a statue but did not think it was appropriate for the taxpayers to foot the bill from the general fund.
“It’s kind of a big expense,” he said. “I think we could use (the money) to help with student success.”
Dumas disagreed. He said he envisions the statue as a gathering place where students will take photos that will serve as a symbol of school pride.
“I think in the grand scheme of things the statue is going to exist forever and really be sort of a symbol of our college,” he said, “I think it’s money well spent.”
Soto said the planned location of the statue in the University Center is too isolated.
“You’re never going to see the Jaguar statue because you’re never going to go over there on purpose to look for it.” she said.
Soto said she would prefer the jaguar to be placed in a busier location, such as near the Student Services Center in the center of campus along the main walkway. Soto also pointed out that the massive Mayan art form on the former Student Activities Center was created with special stickers that were much less expensive than a statue.
Brown said she likes the statue as a marketing tool, a symbol of beauty and a source of school pride.
“I think it’s wonderful for us to have a piece of art at the very front of our campus that represents us,” she said.
Moreno proposed an amendment to the original motion that would require private funding.
“We can reach out to our alumni association to raise money for this project so that we can preserve the $20,000 (for student-related projects) and also have a jaguar (statue),” he said.
Moreno noted that college and university statues are usually funded by alumni associations or private donors. His proposal failed.
Dumas predicted that the statue will be popular.
“This is going to be a big part of our branding and our marketing,” he said. “It could be a place where people come and rub the kitty’s nose for good luck,” he said. “I just don’t really see a downside to this.”
Segura agreed.
“It’s going to be a beautiful thing and I truly think it’s worth $19,700 dollars,” he said.
Moreno said it was unfortunate that the board and administration overrode student leaders.
“I think it’s telling when a student trustee doesn’t want to use general fund money for a statue,” he said. “I think the student body at large disagrees.”
College officials did not share an installation timeline. No artist renderings were available.
