New hall name chosen for symbolic reasons

The latest edition to the A&M-Commerce campus, Pride Rock residence hall, has received special attention by students because of its name.

Freshman environmental science major Josh Burton's Pride Rock suggestion was chosen from a number of options submitted by students. Director of Residential Living and Learning, Dennis Koch said the nature of the building and its place in a planned redevelopment of that area of campus was the reason behind the name.

"The new building is the cornerstone of the new housing that is about to occur (The Rock)," Koch said in an e-mail, "and Pride involves a group of lions (our mascot) and a since of school spirit. Thus, Pride Rock is a cornerstone of where a group of lions (students) live and foster school spirit."

Burton said one of his main inspirations behind the name was "The Lion King" movie, as Pride Rock serves as a place where the main character begins his journey.

"I had an idea that it would be cool to have a Lion King reference on campus," Burton said. "Simba got his start at Pride Rock in the movie, and its sort of the same for freshmen."

Student submissions were reviewed by Koch, Vice President for Student Access and Success Dr. Mary Hendrix and Dean of Campus Life and Student Development Brian Nichols. Their recommendation was then given to President Dr. Dan Jones for approval. Koch said the name's affiliation with "The Lion King" was taken into account.

"We did consider that in two ways," he said. "We checked to make sure there were no copyright problems using the name. Also, in the movie it represents a place of life and new beginnings, which is also what a residence hall can be considered."

The reception of the name has been mixed for Burton. He said he felt the name was appropriate for a university.

"I don't think it's as big of a deal as some think it is," he said. "Some people are saying it is immature. It is in a sense, but it's also an interesting link between pop culture and higher learning."

Burton, a Whitley Hall resident, said he has heard Pride Rock residents are really taking to the name.

"People that live there have taken an identity with it," he said. "I heard some of the resident staff have put up pictures of Pride Rock from the movie on some bulletin boards. I think people are getting used to it."