1995: A Legend Was Born...
Born from the harsh heat of the Laredo Sun, Dusty the Dustdevil first joined our university in 1995 as a part of sweeping changes made around the university such as their expansion to a four-year institution, the university’s first Alma Mater, and the introduction of two scholarship fundraising events in our favorite dustdevil’s name: the “Dusty Fun Run” and the “Dusty Golf Tournament”.
1996: Dusty Has Some Competition.
The university, in lieu of all these big changes, decided to put TAMIU’s mascot to a student vote. Our favorite dusty cowboy was able to win out from the other three finalists including the Thunder, Ocelots, and Sun Blazers.
2002: Dusty’s Moving Up!
In 2002 TAMIU created their first athletics program and joined the NAIA’s (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Red River Conference with Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Women’s Volleyball, and Cross Country. These sports needed a dustdevil to stir up the crowd introducing Dusty’s first physical appearance as a grey tornado shaped dustdevil with a cowboy hat to boot.
2008: Welcome the NCAA.
To celebrate the upcoming athletic season, and TAMIU’s debut in the NCAA division II Red River Conference, TAMIU held its annual Maroon Madness kickoff event where Dusty made a special appearance in his new updated look. This new appearance consisted of a bright maroon cowboy hat with two horns sticking out of the front, his bright white jersey contrasted with the darker grey that made up his windy complexion, and to top it all off this iteration sported a strong scowl representing the intensity TAMIU would have coming into the Red River conference.
2014: A Modern Logo for a Modern Dustdevil.
As a part of a major rebranding campaign TAMIU unveiled a new TAMIU Athletics logo designed by local artist and alumni Carlos Rene Rodriguez featuring a dusty ‘head’ mark with sharp angles and a scowl to match his physical suit.
2024: Dusty’s Brighter Smile for TAMIU
After three years of planning and deliberation Dusty made an appearance at TAMIU’s annual student event “Cabchella” with a cleaner more defined look. This new suit allows for more dynamic movement, a modern sleek look that’s easier to customize, and a smile that could light up a stadium.
Request Dusty Today
Want an Icon at your next event? Dusty can be requested to attend numerous events in the community. Reach out to Marilyn Bautista, (marilyn.bautista@tamiu.edu) for inquiries.
