DISAPPEARANCE

In the 1990s, Tuffy the Ram mysteriously disappeared from Angelo State University’s official branding, merchandise, and marketing materials. Since then, there has been no mention of Tuffy on the ASU website, or in any official university communications, creating confusion and disappointment among many students, alumni, and faculty who had grown attached to the mascot. If not for the ASU Digital Repository that contains scanned issues of The Ram Page and Rambouillet (ASU's yearbook) and the contributions of ASU staff and alumni, any trace of Tuffy would be gone. The reasons for Tuffy’s vanishing have not been officially documented, but several theories suggest that internal artistic differences within the university’s administration, particularly involving the communications department, may have played a role.

According to these theories, ASU's communications department at the time reportedly felt that Tuffy, with his cartoonish appearance, was creating an unprofessional image for the university. There were concerns that Tuffy’s playful and animated persona might impact the school’s ability to attract prospective students and be taken seriously in academic and professional circles. The decision to distance ASU from Tuffy may have been driven by a desire to cultivate a more formal and prestigious image, in line with other academic institutions.

This move has been met with criticism, as many universities with distinguished reputations continue to use illustrative mascots for marketing purposes, balancing professionalism with school spirit. Tuffy’s supporters argue that the mascot created a unique and beloved identity for ASU, and his disappearance left a void in the school’s cultural and athletic representation. Despite the controversy, there remains no official acknowledgment of Tuffy’s past existence or reasoning behind the mascot’s removal, leaving the story of Tuffy the Ram an unresolved chapter in Angelo State University’s history.

In a 2003 article commemorating the 75th anniversary of Angelo State University, the San Angelo Standard-Times celebrated ASU’s traditions, including a section dedicated to its mascots.

Surprisingly, despite Tuffy and Scooter’s iconic presence in ASU’s past, they were not mentioned in the Mascot section.

However, on the very same page, an advertisement prominently featured the cartoon duo, reminding readers of their once central role in ASU’s identity.

This contrast highlights the mysterious shift away from Tuffy and Scooter as official symbols, even as they remained cherished by alumni and the community.

Wherefore art thou?

San Angelo Standard Times - October 26, 2003 - page 104