Del Mar’s Valdar the Viking history started even before he had a name, creating the mythos of a Nordic traveler landing in Corpus Christi.
Beginning simply as “The Viking,” he was represented in yearbook art in a hyper-realistic gothic style, and the football team began using the Viking name in 1939. But there was no official mascot to represent the school.
In 2010 Rito Silva, then the Vice President for Student Affairs, with the College Relations Office led the charge of introducing an official DMC mascot to the campus and general community. The process involved focus groups with participants exploring different characters associated with sea life and a connection to the Coastal Bend such as Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, dolphins and more, but discussion always came back to the Viking. The Viking remained a strong symbol for DMC students of the past and present, only needing a name… and complete rebranding.
In an effort to enhance the collegiate atmosphere at DMC, the college formally recognized the Viking as the first physical mascot on April 27, 2017. The new mascot was armed with a new design sporting a fuzzy golden beard and helm, a blue-dyed fur pelt coat, and a gigantic nose for completion. Character building expert Dave Raymond of Raymond Entertainment provided the creative work, having previously developed iconic mascots for other colleges and education institutions. The new Viking would serve as the face of DMC for all its branding endeavors, especially as a fun introduction for the younger generation who see the mascot at campus or local sporting events and wonder about their college future.
The initiative for a name took place on Sep. 11, 2017, allowing DMC students a chance to vote on the suggestions of students, faculty, staff, alumni and even Coastal Bend residents about what students would be calling him for years to come. Starting with more than 850 name submissions, the choices were first narrowed down in bracket form starting with the top 16, then the top eight and finally the top four choices. The top four names were Atlas, Axel, Brutus and Valdar. By student decision, Valdar the Viking – submitted by student Alexandra Lasso – won out against the rest, and was announced on the mascot’s first DMC birthday celebration.
Now with a name and face, Valdar has become a staple of DMC culture, even debuting his own handsign this year, and adding three new outfits to his wardrobe.
“Valdar has become a lovable, recognizable representative of Del Mar College and brings delight to those who meet him and the message that higher education is attainable,” said Melinda Eddleman, Associate Director of Media Relations for DMC, who has written many articles about Valdar’s origin and actions around the school.
