Leaving Their Mark: Graduating Artists Unveil New Lion Mural at East Texas A&M
The new art installation is already transforming a quiet corner of campus into a colorful gathering place and a symbol of Lion pride.
Just days before crossing the graduation stage this month, art students Sloan Rogers and Cassidy Allarah Steele completed one final project at East Texas A&M University—a mural designed to remind students they belong.
Titled “Power of the Pride,” the mural was unveiled on May 7 outside the Sculpture Lab near the McDowell Administration Building. The large-scale public artwork celebrates unity, belonging and the strength of the Lion community.
The university's Public Art Committee commissioned the mural to increase the presence of student-created public art on campus. Art Professor Joseph Daun, a committee member, worked closely with his colleagues and students to help make the project possible.
Already, the mural has begun transforming the area into a more active and engaging part of campus. “I have already seen students taking their graduation photos there,” Sloan said. “It’s now a section of the campus that’s interactive, where it was previously just a dead space.”
A Symbol of Unity and Strength
The mural features four stylized lions of varying ages and sizes rendered in geometric, mosaic-inspired forms with flowing blue-and-gold shapes. The design creates a strong sense of movement while symbolizing connection across generations of Lions.
Sloan and Cassidy said the mural was intentionally designed with layers of meaning centered around community and belonging.
“The blue and gold shapes that flow from the lion pride help connect all the members of the pride, making us one community,” Sloan said.
The artists said they hope students will see themselves reflected in the mural and feel welcomed as part of the university community. For Sloan, a first-generation and self-identified “non-traditional student,” the mural's message is especially personal.
“It can be hard to know where you fit in. Hopefully, when other students like me see the mural, they will know they are welcome, along with the future little Lions.”
Adding another important theme, a bold golden lion anchors the right side of the piece, symbolizing courage and strength.
“The main lion represents that the campus is strong in leadership, creativity, and courage,” Sloan said.
“This mural shows community and strength that is found in communities like East Texas A&M,” Cassidy added. “Individually we are Lions, but all together we are ‘A Pride of Power.'”
Bringing the Mural to Life
When Sloan and Cassidy first heard about the mural opportunity, they immediately knew they wanted to participate—as a team. The collaboration felt natural for the two artists, who had spent years studying art side by side and admired each other's creative strengths and styles. Both also saw the project as a valuable opportunity to gain mural experience for their portfolios.
Sloan sketched out an initial concept while Cassidy helped develop the written proposal. A few days later, the pair learned their proposal had been selected.
Using the digital illustration app Procreate, the artists refined the design through multiple revisions before beginning the physical painting process. Scaling the design from a digital concept to a massive outdoor mural proved challenging. Because of the building's size, the mural had to be painted in six separate sections inside the Sculpture Lab before being assembled and installed outdoors. The students often relied on photographs and digital mockups to visualize how the final piece would look together.
“We really didn't see the whole thing put together until it was installed outside,” Sloan said.
The artists also credited classmates Raimi Roldshield, Cindy Fleming, Alisa Yactzak and Min Ahn, who assisted with painting and installation throughout the project.
Reflecting on the experience, Cassidy described the project as a major milestone in her artistic development.
“This project was my first opportunity to do something I have always wanted to try: painting a large-scale mural,” she said. “At first, I was intimidated by its size, but now that it's complete, I am so proud of my capabilities.”
The Impact of Public Art
University leaders and faculty members said the mural represents the beginning of a broader vision for public art across campus. President Mark Rudin emphasized that East Texas A&M is the students' campus, so it should feature student art.
“I hope this is the first of many student murals that we populate our campus with,” he said.
Devin Girod, chair of the Public Art Committee, emphasized the importance of public art in shaping campus identity.
“One of the things about public art that is so powerful is the identity and inspiration that it creates in public spaces,” he said.
Faculty Mentorship
Both students credited Professor Daun for playing a major role in their success, from mentoring them through the mural process to encouraging them to pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zones—jumping in and trying things, even if they don't feel fully qualified.
“He’s really pushed that the worst answer you can get is a ‘no,' but you might also get a ‘yes,' Cassidy said. “So far, we've been getting yesses!”
At the unveiling ceremony, Daun praised the students for their dedication to the project and their belief in the university and its art program.
“I'm really proud of all the students who put in time on the mural, that they took time outside of class to do something that they believed in because they believe in East Texas A&M,” Daun said. “They believe in the art program, and they believe in themselves.”
Future Opportunities
Both artists are planning to continue their artistic and educational careers after graduation. Cassidy graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art with a concentration in sculpture. After graduation, she will continue taking classes to earn her teaching certification.
Sloan also graduated with a BFA in Studio Art with all-level teaching certification. She plans to return to East Texas A&M this fall for graduate studies in curriculum and instruction with dual-credit emphasis.
The two students were also recently accepted into an upcoming exhibition at the Goldmark Cultural Center in Dallas, an exclusive opportunity they said came through networking and faculty mentorship.
A New Symbol of Lion Pride
As graduates and visitors continue stopping to admire the new mural, posing for photos in front of it, the “Power of the Pride” is already becoming a recognizable campus landmark and a lasting symbol of the Lion community.
“We're getting to immortalize something that will be on campus for a really long time,” Cassidy said.