Cufflinks
What information do you tell someone when you introduce yourself? It is a reasonable guess to assume it has something to do with the University. Whether you were a student, conducted research here, work here, or are simply an avid college sports fan, the Razorback mascot unites us all. However, we did not always call the hogs, we were once the Cardinals as the Razorback was not adopted as the official mascot until 1910 after a football game in which the players were described as playing like a “band of razorback hogs” by Coach Hugo Bezdek(How). This statement initiated a movement that has stuck with us ever since. The Razorback is a symbol that was chosen to represent the ferocity and determination of mind that has persisted since the switch. It fostered comradery in recognition of this widely supported symbol that more accurately represented this student body.
These cufflinks are a snazzy, some may even claim pretentious, way to show off the Razorback spirit. Cufflinks are an accessory needed specifically for french cuff suits. The sleeves fold up, but do not have buttons to keep them folded, so cufflinks are inserted through the 4 layers of fabric to hold them in place. This means that you are required to have these little pins if you want your sleeves to stay up and not fall over your hands. While someone may have been a tad bit overdressed wearing such an item to a college football game, one of the plastic hog hats could probably bring the outfit down to an appropriate level of dress. In all seriousness, these cufflinks hold endless important memories of the University.
This set of cufflinks was gifted to me by my father in a small cardboard box with two razorback lapel pins before I left for my freshman year here. While I sadly do not own any french cuff dress shirts, it is more about what they stand for than actually wearing them. Plus, if you look near the tail of one of the hogs there is a small chip missing, but this in no way affects their significance. It is not about the fashion or how well they would pair with a foam finger and a beer hat. It is about the change that they signify. It is the send off, the shift from living at home during quarantine to being away at college by myself. The pandemic presented hardships that we never thought we would face, and continues to do so. These cufflinks are representative of a move that would have changed my life regardless, but changed even more in the midst of this pandemic. I am sure this is a similar experience for many students, and these cufflinks hold that memory for me. While you may simply see another piece of Razorback merchandise, I see a new beginning. I hope that you not only think of this as an overarching symbol that has brought us all together, but a small item that signifies an immeasurable number of memories. It is these small moments of studying on the lawn with my friends, having a quiet afternoon in the library, or going to concerts at the greek theatre that I see reflected in this pin.
The University of Arkansas has been home to numerous people building their lives and gaining invaluable experiences and education to kickstart their futures. It may not seem like it at first glance, but from the first moment you step on this campus, you are part of this community.
Whether it is game day, seeing the leaves change in the fall, the first snowflake, or walking the stage at graduation, there is a thread that ties us all here. It is this relation to these grounds that is represented through the Razorback. No matter what is thrown at us, we will adjust and persevere to maintain this thriving community.
No one who has stepped on this campus is the same, has the same background, or the same motivations. We are all unique and strive to obtain different experiences and memories during our time on campus. Even if you are a sorority girl on bid day or a graduate student conducting research halfway across the world, there is space for your story here.
Bibliography:
“How We Became the Razorbacks.” Arkansas Alumni , https://www.arkansasalumni.org/s/1429/index.aspx?gid=1&pgid=448&sid=1429.