Augusta University unveils new branding initiative with Augustus statue

In a continued effort to promote school spirit and community involvement, Augusta University unveiled the first of a series of statues depicting the beloved mascot Augustus during halftime of the men’s basketball game on Dec. 18 at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

AU President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, along with members of the Communications & Marketing Department and the Jaguars’ mascot Augustus made the presentation at midcourt, uncovering the 6-foot-3-inch tall statue to the more than 2,000 fifth-grade students from Columbia County in attendance for the men’s second Education Day game of the month.

Chicago Fiberglass Works created the statue, that is also 4-feet wide elbow to elbow and 3-feet wide at the base.

Taylor Lamb, director of marketing and creative services, said the concept for the statue came from a collaboration session for brand expansion projects that could make a broader impact on campus and in the community.

“Augustus is the beacon of spirit on campus. That combined with our love for him was a no-brainer to highlight him. We started the creative process for designing the statue last winter. His presence on campus will spread spirit, collegiality and brand recognition across all campuses,” Lamb said.

The first statue will be housed inside the main entrance of Christenberry Fieldhouse. The current plans include another located at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center of the CSRA, with other statues eventually being placed on the Health Sciences and Summerville campuses.

“We will have more on campus soon. The long-term goal of the statue will have a philanthropic component, and we hope to see Augustus statues woven into the fabric of the community soon,” Lamb said.