On April 30, a new statue was installed outside of the Maverick Center on the Colorado Mesa University campus. The statue is currently unnamed, and an initiative called “What It Means to be a Maverick” will run through Sept. 1 to help students and leadership work together to name the statue.

According to a news release from CMU Public Relations Director David Ludlam, “the larger-than-life sculpture was commissioned by CMU and created by local artist Scott Shaffer who said during the event that his rendering of CMU’s iconic mascot is eight-feet high, twelve-feet long and weighs more than 1,200 pounds.”

After many social media posts by CMU organizations with photos of students and staff sitting on top of the statue, the “What It Means to be a Maverick” began with students participating in a formal reading. Students at CMU are now encouraged to submit a video or text submission with their perspective on the definition of being a Maverick, along with their idea for a name for the statue.

“Each student, visitor, donor and community supporter will have a different idea about what it means to be a Maverick,” CMU President Tim Foster said. “Starting today the whole CMU family has an opportunity to help us name this incredible work of art and powerful symbol in the community.”

While its current spot outside of Brownson Arena is not the permanent location of the statue, the community is welcome to visit and take photos with the large sculpture.

A name for the statue will be revealed during Homecoming 2019.