Sign in
TCU Unveils Mural, Bringing Campaign Home
Texas Christian University (TCU) is unveiling the final installment of its nationwide mural project – an on-campus installation spanning 70 feet, prominently located at the corner of Lubbock Avenue and Berry Street.
After a year-long campaign that celebrated Horned Frog leaders in key markets across the country, the Fort Worth mural now celebrates distinguishing characteristics and aspects of TCU that are shared by Horned Frogs across the globe. It is designed by 2023 TCU graduate and former TCU ArtOrg President Natalie Neale.
Photo courtesy of TCU
The previous mural installations, painted on buildings in New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville and Chicago, highlighted notable leaders who found their inspiration and sharpened their leadership abilities at TCU. The Fort Worth mural moves from a focus on individual alumni leaders to a collective leadership narrative, one that invites all Horned Frogs and visitors to participate by posing in front of the physical mural or using a digital filter to “muralize” themselves, wherever they may live.
“There are so many amazing leadership stories in our community, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to choose one person to highlight for this particular mural,” said Tracy Syler-Jones, vice chancellor for marketing and communication. “Inviting community participation will uncover stories that illustrate how we are leading on together for the greater good.”
As TCU turns its focus to the next 150 years, the mural features monarch butterflies, symbols of transformation, and mockingbirds representing freedom and infinite possibilities. Central to the design is the motif of a “ripple effect,” where the impact of one person can spread out in all directions like water ripples, impacting others and ultimately the whole world, Neale explained. This concept is near and dear to Horned Frogs, as the flow of the water of Frog Fountain similarly represents how TCU faculty and students impact each other, spreading knowledge from one class to the next.
Photo courtesy of TCU
In addition to Frog Fountain, the mural features other iconic TCU details, such as tulips, the Brown-Lupton University Union, ivy from Moudy Hall and the horned frog. It also incorporates TCU collegiate cheers like “Fear the Frog,” “Riff Ram,” and the headline, “Dream Big. Be Bold. Lead On.”
Neale, who graduated with a degree in painting in May 2023, exemplifies the next generation of TCU alumni poised to make a global impact. Her unique perspective and artistic talent have played a pivotal role in bringing this mural design to life.
“In celebration of TCU’s 150th year, I wanted to create a design that conveyed what it means to be a part of something larger than yourself. I reflected on my own experience and what this place has meant to me,” Neale said. “I graduated from TCU feeling a strong desire to make a difference in the world, as a way to honor how all the people I connected with at TCU had left a mark on me forever.”
The mural series is part of TCU’s national awareness campaign supporting its 150th anniversary “Lead On: Celebrating 150 Years of TCU.” The first four murals in the series were unveiled in New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville and Chicago, and spotlighted John Devereaux ’12 of Hamilton; Katherine Beattie ’08, a producer/writer for NCIS and wheelchair athlete; Desmond Bane ’20, an NBA player for the Memphis Grizzlies and youth advocate; and four health care professionals, including Dr. McKenna Chalman ’19, ’23; Emma Joy ’21; Dr. Courtney Sullivan ’17; and Dr. Brandon Zsigray ’14.
