In the early days of our university, an anchor was left on campus by the U.S. Navy. It was dedicated to the freshman class by the first President, R. M. Cavness. Each year, the freshmen were responsible for maintaining the anchor, carrying it to sporting events, and guarding it against rivals. During a series of pranks with rival universities in the 1960’s, the plaque was taken, and the anchor was disposed of. More than 40 years later, the plaque was returned to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as dictated by the will of the person who had been in possession of it for nearly half a century.
A second anchor was placed on campus during Homecoming Week on February 27, 2015 at the request of students and alumni. When upright, the Anchor stands at 13 feet tall and weighs 5,500 pounds; its estimated cost for the complete anchor display was $9,500. On the base of the anchor, you will find the original plaque and a new one that details its history.