El Borrego Salvaje (The Wild Ram)
Circa 1960-1985
Gift of Fernando Garcia Roel and
Laura Molina de Garcia Roel
11 5/8 x 6 x 3 1/2 inches
(29.53 x 15.24 x 8.89 cm))
El Borrego Salvaje, or the Wild Ram, is the mascot for the sports team of the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, a Mexican university known informally as Monterrey Tec.
The powerful ram captures the dynamic strength of Monterrey Tec's home city. Located in northeastern Mexico, Monterrey has long led the nation's industrial development. It has specialized in products such as steel, glass, beer, and cement. In 1943, a group of businessmen established Monterrey Tec. They wanted to create a school to educate the skilled technicians and professionals who would advance the industrial growth of the region.
This figurine was a gift to Fernando Garcia Roel during his 25-year service as rector of Monterrey Tec. During Garcia's tenure, the school expanded to become a multi-campus university.
Today, Tec has 33 campuses in all parts of Mexico and numerous influential alumni. One of Tec's graduates, Carlos Gutierrez, served as 35th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Monterrey.
About Collection Highlights
This feature is intended as a sampling of material held in the permanent collections at the Museum of South Texas History. Selections are based on the materials' condition, provenance, visual appeal, and ability to reflect larger themes in the unique history of the region. The Museum is grateful for all of the donations accepted for its collections, as well as any additions or corrections to the information presented here. For information about donations, see Donation FAQ.