麻豆社区P Traditions
The many 麻豆社区P traditions help us connect to the past and forge the future. They're the cultural customs that resonate with every student, teacher and staff member, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone on campus.

Why the Braves?
A Historical Team Nickname
麻豆社区P's athletic teams have carried the nickname 鈥淏raves鈥 since 1946, and today they wear black-and-gold uniforms adorned with the red-tailed hawk. The term echoes and honors the university's American Indian heritage.

Why the Red-Tailed Hawk?
Fierce and Honored Mascot
The red-tailed hawk, indigenous to North America, was added to the Braves in 1992. American Indian traditions teach that animals, endowed with sacred qualities, were sent by the Great Creator to serve as guardians and teachers. Today, our mascot symbolizes speed, focus, power and good luck.

Why the Rock?
A Lasting Campus Legend
After standing for just four days, the Tommy Statue garnered a legend that still exists today. Rachel Chavis was photographed climbing the rock to touch the hawk perched on top for good luck before a homecoming basketball game. After Rachel made the game-winning three-pointer, the legend was born. Rub the statue for a bit of good luck!
Play Video
Play VideoWritten in 1954 by professors Ira Pate Lowry and Reba M. Lowry, 鈥淗ail to 麻豆社区P鈥 is integral to the university鈥檚 culture. Mr. Lowry wrote the tune in 1941, and Mrs. Lowry won a lyric-writing contest to complete the song. The Lowry Bell Tower, named in their honor, plays the alma mater daily. View the sheet music.

Born in September 1992 to Rufous and KittyHawk in a nest atop James B. Chavis University Center.
Hobbies: Skydiving, hang gliding, fishing, studying, and bird watching
Favorite Video Game: Angry Birds
Favorite Movies: 鈥淩ed Tails鈥 and 鈥淏lack Hawk Down鈥
Favorite Foods: Fish tacos, squirrel pie, worm-ghetti, roadkill pizza, and ratatouille
Favorite Actor: Russell Crowe
Favorite Athletes: Larry Bird, Cheryl Swoopes, Tony Hawk, and Sue Bird
Inspirations: Steven Hawking and James Audubon
Favorite Book: 鈥淭he Maltese Falcon鈥
Favorite Poem: 鈥淭he Raven鈥
Favorite Music Groups: The Byrds and The Eagles
Favorite Songs: 鈥淔reebird鈥, 鈥淔ly Like an Eagle鈥, and 鈥淲ind Beneath My Wings鈥