A once-iconic neighborhood landmark now stands on campus as a symbol of pride, thanks to the generosity of dedicated alumni.

If you've strolled past the Alumni Center lately, you've likely noticed a striking new addition: a beautiful lion statue gleaming proudly in the sun. The statue is a recent gift from alumni Russell Honeycutt (‘88) and Christie Honeycutt (‘93, ‘02) of Rockwall, Texas, who sprang to action when they recognized an opportunity to bring the piece to campus.

The story began when members of Russell's family purchased a midcentury home in Rockwall. The house was a well-known local landmark, largely because of the stately concrete lion statue that stood guard at its entrance, earning it the nickname “the Lion House.”

Russell recalled, “When our relatives bought the house, I asked them, ‘What are y'all going to do with the lion?' They said, ‘We don't know because we're going to redo some of the front area, and we're not sure where we're going to put him.' I said, ‘Well, I've got a place to put him!'”

Staff in the Office of Alumni Engagement agreed that the lion would be a perfect addition to the Alumni Center grounds, and plans were soon underway to relocate it. However, moving the statue proved to be no small feat.

“It's not something that you just throw in the back of your truck, and it's not something a couple of guys can pick up barehanded,” Russell said.

That's when another East Texas A&M alumnus, Rick McDonald (‘89), stepped in to help. As a volunteer with Texans on Mission—an organization that provides disaster relief around the world—McDonald had access to the heavy equipment needed to transport the lion 40 miles to Commerce.

“We got the skid steer over there one morning,” Russell said. It took about 30 minutes to figure out the best way to pick it up and load it onto the trailer, and then another 45 minutes to execute that plan. We got it onto the trailer and brought it to Commerce.”

Settled in its new home, Russell said he hopes the statue will serve as a symbol of Lion pride for the university community.

“When they see the lion, I hope it sparks pride, brings back memories, and helps them think about the future,” he said.

Amanda Lowe, director of Alumni Engagement, added, “The lion statue stands as a powerful symbol of the pride, strength, and lasting spirit of East Texas A&M alumni. We are extremely thankful to Russell and Christie Honeycutt for this meaningful gift, which now serves as a welcoming guardian of the McCord Family Alumni Center.”