The Cal State San Bernardino Santos Manuel Student Union will unveil a bronze coyote statue called “Wild Song” on Friday, June 3.
“This is an opportunity for tradition and to bring pride within our university and community,” said Aaron Burgess, SMSU interim executive director. “This monument is by the students, for the students. We’re proud to be able to foster this not only for the SMSU, but for the campus at large.”
The unveiling will take place in front of the west entrance of the SMSU on the John M. Pfau Library lawn from 2-3 p.m. Light refreshments will be available following the ceremony. Parking is a daily rate of $6.
The CSUSB color guard will open the ceremony followed by the singing of the national anthem. Welcome remarks by campus officials will introduce the ribbon cutting and unveiling by: Tomas D. Morales, CSUSB president, Brian Haynes, vice president of student affairs, Alysson Satterlund, associate vice president and dean of students, and Burgess.
The bronze sculpture was created by Chris Navarro, a Wyoming native, rodeo cowboy and premier sculptor of the west. Creating over 28 monumental bronze sculptures, he currently showcases his artwork in Navarro Gallery in Sedona, Ariz.
“Working on monuments is extremely time consuming and labor intensive. Requiring an initial design, creating a clay model, then casting it in bronze through the lost wax method,” said Navarro. “To know that my work will be standing in the sun long after I'm gone for future generations to experience and enjoy is thrilling. I love what I do for a living and hope others find the same joy and satisfaction in [my] work.”
The SMSU is the focal point of the campus, creating a home for learning and leisure, as well as contributing to retention of students. Students' overall university and life experience is enhanced through the celebration of culture and diversity. Student success is enhanced through meaningful and entertaining programs, enriching leadership and employment opportunities, quality services, and exceptional facilities.
For more information on the unveiling contact Rosemary Zometa, interim director of student engagement at (909) 537-5234 or email rzometa@csusb.edu.
About California State University, San Bernardino
Set in the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, CSUSB is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in inland Southern California. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015-2016, CSUSB serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually. For more information about Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.