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FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2002

As expected, students at San Diego State University aren't exactly jumping for joy about their new cultural symbol Montezuma.

The Native American Student Activist Organization, a splinter group of the Native American Student Alliance, said clothing and other adornments worn by the human ambassador should have been designed by Aztec people. The costume was designed by a theater professor with input from a professor with expertise in Aztec culture.

Other students wondered why Montezuma was debuted off-campus at a local elementary school. A school spokesperson said the appearance was indicative of the ambassador's new role as an educator and not a mascot or cheerleader.

Montezuma will appear at a basketball game on Saturday. He is portrayed by junior Alberto Martinez Jr., the only applicant for the job.

Get the Story:
SDSU unveils new 'ambassador'; groups still not satisfied with change (The Daily Aztec 1/24)

Watch Montezuma's Debut:
Video: Rosa Parks Elementary (1/23)

Relevant Links:
Ambassador Montezuma - http://advancement.sdsu.edu/alumni/regalia.html
Mascots and logos, San Diego State University - http://www.sdsu.edu/identity/images.html
Aztec Identity Information, San Diego State University - http://www.sdsu.edu/identity

Related Stories:
School returns with revamped Aztec (1/24)
California school to drop 'Aztec' mascot (5/16)
School panel recommends change to 'Aztec' mascot (5/3)
'Fighting Sioux' debate rages on (2/19)
School to keep Aztec affiliation (11/17)

Student Opinions:
Sean Clark: Monty is good for Native Americans (The Daily Aztec 10/10)
Human race should unite to eliminate Monty (The Daily Aztec 10/11)