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Inspiration for the key icon

Photograph of an original key from the C.E. Evans Papers

The key icon that represents the University Archives was inspired by a physical  artifact held in the C.E. Evans Papers. 

University Archives key logo

While a key is a common metaphor for providing access to something important—including knowledge or understanding—incorporating the roof line of Old Main into the design transforms a basic key into an icon that reflects Texas State history.

Originally referred to simply as "Main," the building now known as Old Main was the only building on the Texas State campus (then known as the Southwest Texas State Normal School) when it opened in 1903.

President C.E. Evans

Photograph of President Evans writting at his desk.

Cecil Eugene Evans, the University’s second president (1911-1942), provided three decades of stable leadership for the growing college and guided the growth of the college despite the challenges brought on by World War I and the Great Depression.  He thought of Texas State as a “poor-man’s school” and fought to open higher education to more people.

Photograph of President Evans' keys held in a leather key wallet

This tri-fold leather key wallet was donated along with President Evans' papers.  Inside are nine keys of varying shape and size; unfortunately, the knowledge of which doors they opened remains lost to history.