<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3xBcxG_0viOYQIs00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3xBcxG_0viOYQIs00" width="1200" height="800" ><figcaption>Illustration by Haley Walton</figcaption></figure>For at least eight years, UTA undergraduate students have worn the same regalia for graduation. This year's Mavericks will blaze across the stage in a new look for their big day.The new regalia changes colors from the robe’s original black to UTA’s signature blue. The sleeve’s blue trim will be white with UTA’s logo embroidered on.The regalia set now costs $125, compared to last year’s $142. For the early-bird option, it's $105 compared to the previous $122.David Eberhardt, assistant vice president for Student Affairs Administration, said the new design came at no extra cost to students.Eberhardt said the change to make UTA’s gown unique, distinguished and distinctive is a meaningful one.“Graduation, as it should be, is a moment of pride in this milestone that you’ve achieved, this accomplishment,” he said. “Having regalia that matches that, that is distinctive, that stands out, I think will be a really cool moment.”The original idea came when Student Body President Deon Rodrigues said he wanted to implement a sense of identity and tradition for Mavericks. He wants every student to look their best during their big moment as they walk across the stage.“I wanted them to be presentable and also represent UTA as a whole, because I want you to feel the pride that [comes] when you take the name of UTA, and also the degree, the program and everything that you worked for,” Rodrigues said.UTA Student Government, EXCEL Campus Activities, UTA Ambassadors and other organizations worked together to design the new gown. Rodrigues encouraged students to share their ideas, draw up sketches and give feedback.This led to a final design that showcases UTA as a whole, he said.“Having that feeling of giving my input or having that student input, it makes a big difference,” Rodrigues said. “That’s one of the last things you would expect from higher authorities and administration is, ‘Hey, let students decide.’”Juan Martinez, Involvement and Engagement student graphic designer, said he never imagined he would get the opportunity to redesign UTA regalia.Working closely with Rodrigues and his team on the new design, Martinez said he has spent hours researching and creating drafts, that bring the ideas to life.As a senior, Martinez will soon be wearing his own design to get his diploma at commencement.“This new change definitely resembles more toward the Maverick spirit,” Martinez said. “Knowing that I will be wearing it, it makes me feel happy knowing that not only have I made it, but knowing I’ll be wearing the school colors with it.”Graduating students can secure their regalia at the UTA Bookstore starting Oct. 1 and attend the Grad Finale event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 15-17 for all their graduation needs.@arj3395</div></body>

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UTA unveils new signature blue regalia, embodies Maverick spirit

For at least eight years, UTA undergraduate students have worn the same regalia for graduation. This year's Mavericks will blaze across the stage in a new look for their big day. The new regalia changes colors from the robe’s original black to UTA’s signature blue. The sleeve’s blue trim will...