In photos: Augusta University celebrates new tartan tradition

Augusta University celebrated the rollout of its official tartan with traditional Scottish dance and bagpipe performances, tartan cupcakes and even a photo booth with our kilted mascot, Augustus.

The event, which took place March 7 on the Summerville Campus, included Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, Provost Neil MacKinnon, Interim Vice President of Communications and Marketing Aubrey Hinkson, Miss Augusta University Chelsea Paulding and Mr. Augusta University Zyare Orr.

A tartan — a plaid textile design of Scottish origin — consists of stripes of varying width and color. The pattern typically designates a distinctive clan or group, and can be used in fabrics like scarves or kilts and other products.

MacKinnon led development of the official tartan. Raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, Scottish culture is large part of his life.

“I am proud to have been part of creating a tartan at previous institutions where I have served. And it was an easy decision for me to lead the charge for Augusta to be among the few universities granted a registered tartan,” he said. “I hope the tartan will become a beloved tradition by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. It is a distinct way to celebrate our school spirit, our story, and our colors.”

Augusta University’s tartan, which uses the university’s official colors Augusta Blue and Augusta Grey, is formally registered in the Scottish Register of Tartans, an independent registry run by the National Records of Scotland which promotes and preserves information about historic and contemporary tartans from Scotland and throughout the world.

“As president and as an alumnus of Augusta University, our traditions are near and dear to me,” said Keel. “All of these traditions create meaningful experiences and memories that last a lifetime. I am thrilled to celebrate the beginning of our newest tradition, the official Augusta University tartan. This new tradition gives us all a new and different way to don our Augusta Blue and Augusta Grey and show our school spirit.”

Exclusive tartan merchandise is available for purchase from the JagStore, Augusta University’s campus shop.