With the howl of the Coyotes of Cal State San Bernardino, “Wild Song” was unveiled.
Wild Song is the name of the new bronze sculpture that sits at the west entrance of the Santos Manuel Student Union, a gift from the SMSU and Associated Students Inc., to the university in honor of its 50th anniversary. It was formally unveiled at a ceremony on June 3 under a warm spring sun.
Michael Dandurand, a CSUSB graduate and former member and chair of the SMSU board, and Marissa Wollard, a current student and staff member at the SMSU Women’s Resource Center, together pulled the large drape that covered Wild Song, just as the ceremonial ribbon was cut by student leaders and university administrators and staff.
Dandurand is credited with the idea that brought about Wild Song, which he said came from a discussion in a business class on marketing, advertising and how to elevate businesses to a higher level. When he brought it to the SMSU board, other ideas were considered and added, and from that effort came Wild Song.
“The beautiful thing about a school like this is you’re surrounded by a large group individuals who are willing to share a common ideal,” he told students, administrators and staff gathered for the unveiling. “When you have individuals working toward a common goal, you can create spectacular things for not only yourself, not only your community, but for an entire nation.”
And Dandurand shared the lesson he learned from the process. “If you have an idea, share it with the world,” he said. “If you have a plan, support it. And if you have an opportunity, take it.”
The bronze sculpture was created by Chris Navarro, a Wyoming native, rodeo cowboy and premier sculptor. Creator of 29 monumental bronze sculptures (Wild Song is No. 29), 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.”
University President Tomás Morales noted the long process to create a sculpture like Wild Song. “Each is magnificent, and the creation process is extremely time-consuming and labor intensive,” he said. “The same can be said of true school spirit. While impressive, it does not happen by chance. It takes the pride, dedication, and desire of an entire community. And it requires constant care and continuing commitment to ensure the spirit is passed on to new generations while also remaining steadfast in the hearts of all who have embraced it.
“I want to thank everyone who has fed that spirit and kept it alive and thriving through the years. I also want to thank those individuals who put in the time and effort to commission this statue and bring it here where it belongs,” Morales said. “Most of all, I want to thank all of you who are here to celebrate as this new icon is added to the legacy of this great university.”
And a new tradition with Wild Song may have begun with its unveiling.
“With finals week quickly approaching … I hear that a rub on Wild Song’s paw will bring about academic success,” said Brian Haynes, vice president of Student Affairs. “So there’s some motivation right there for you.”