A wave of excitement swept through the Seibel Wing at Galveston College Tuesday as the institution proudly unveiled its mascot, Rip Tide, to a packed and spirited crowd of students, student-athletes, faculty and staff.

Cheers and applause filled the air as Rip Tide made a grand entrance as he emerged through a smoke-filled tunnel to the tune of the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and flanked by Whitecaps baseball players, signaling a new era of school pride and unity at GC. With high-fives, photos, and plenty of flair, Rip Tide brought energy and enthusiasm to a student body already brimming with Whitecaps pride during the mascot’s launch party.

“This is more than just a mascot,” said GC President, W. Myles Shelton, Ed.D. “Rip Tide represents the spirit, resilience and strength of the entire campus community. It’s a bold symbol of who we are and where we’re going as a college.”

The mascot launch party featured a high-energy pep rally-style presentation, complete with the participation of GC’s student-athletes, Whitecaps pom-poms and foam fingers, food, and beach- and surf-themed music.

“Making Rip Tide a reality has been a true labor of love by the SGA, the college’s administration, board of regents, student activities, student services and marketing team,” said GC Student Government Association President, Alicia Fletcher. “Today’s turnout shows just how ready we are to rally behind that spirit.”

GC Associate Vice President of Student Services, Ron Crumedy, praised the student engagement and school spirit displayed at the GC mascot’s launch party.

“We’ve been trying to make this a reality and it finally happened,” said Crumedy. “Seeing the excitement on our students’ faces was incredible, not to mention our faculty and staff. Rip Tide is already bringing people together and energizing our campus in ways we hoped for and more.”

Rip Tide’s design draws inspiration from the strength of the Gulf Coast tides and the unique character of the Galveston Island community. GC’s mascot will appear at future campus events, baseball and softball games, and community engagements, serving as a symbol of GC pride and identity.

For more information about GC’s mascot, Rip Tide, visit https://gc.edu/students/mascot.php.

ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE

Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.