APRIL 2, 2024 — Planning to collect and trade medals at Fiesta San Antonio this year? UTSA is releasing three must-have keepsakes.
The official UTSA 2024 Fiesta medal will commemorate the upcoming solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime event slated to pass through San Antonio on Monday, April 8. The medal was developed and engineered by UTSA staff member Gris Campos, who partnered with Joan Duncan, senior administrative manager for University Relations. It features a workable design displaying the phases of the eclipse on a round gear attached to the back of the medal.
“I love that the eclipse event landed around the same time of the medal reveal,” said Campos, multimedia designer for University Marketing and Special Projects. “This fun medal displays the different phases of an eclipse and incorporates movement into the design. I am extremely happy with the result and quality of the medal production. It is such a bright and colorful piece with special meaning to the UTSA community.”
Also new for Fiesta San Antonio’s 2024 celebration are the UTSA Alumni Association medal and Fiesta Arts Fair medal.
The UTSA Alumni Association’s medal, designed in collaboration with San Antonio-based Parallel, features a lotería-style design including a whimsical Roadrunner.
“We were inspired by the Fiesta Flambeau Parade’s theme of ‘Lotsa Lotería’ this year,” says Russell Wagner, UTSA assistant vice president of alumni engagement. “The idea of a Rowdy lotería card seemed fun and essential to UTSA lore.”
The Alumni Association’s focus on connecting with graduates ‘for the long run’ is another element incorporated into the 2024 design. The medals’ Roadrunner has moving legs.
“We think this medal is great take on Rowdy and the Roadrunner spirit,” Wagner adds. “We are excited for UTSA alumni to wear it and show off their connection to the university community.”
Current Alumni Association members will receive priority access to purchase this year’s medal while new members will receive the medal as a gift for joining the Alumni Association. Members of the broader community can purchase the medal at the Fiesta Arts Fair, as inventory is available.
UTSA is also releasing an medal to commemorate the 2024 Fiesta Arts Fair, scheduled April 20-21 at the UTSA Southwest campus. The Fair brings together artists and art lovers from near and far for a festive celebration of creativity.
UTSA alumnus Cruz Ortiz ’00 designed the medal, which features his contemporary Texas style. Chosen for his exceptional talent in capturing the creativity and essence of one of Fiesta’s most popular events, Ortiz used his distinctive font and vibrant colors to resonate with collectors looking to showcase local talent on their medal sashes this year.
Ortiz’s diverse portfolio includes a deep tie to the Alamo City, including murals on the West Side, public art displays and political posters. He has a long-standing connection with the San Antonio arts community and a background in collaborating with cultural arts and social justice organizations.
