When all was plaid and done

The first Stephen F. Austin State University Tartan tie to arrive on campus was recently presented to university president, Dr. Baker Pattillo. Presenting the tie were, from left, Rebecca Greer, professor of fashion merchandising, Lynda Martin, director of the school of human sciences, Kelcie Brown, student designer of the SFA Tartan and Judy Abbott, dean of the James I. Perkins college of education.

The Tartan project was initiated in October 2012 by Greer and Martin with the goal of having an official SFA Tartan and other licensed tartan products available in conjunction with the 90th Anniversary celebration activities. A contest was held featuring more than 30 Human Sciences students' designs.

After more than 7,000 votes from alumni and friends, Brown’s design was selected and registered with the Scottish Tartan Society. Officially licensed SFA Tartan products, T-shirts, sweatshirts, lanyards and men's ties, are now available for purchase at the Barnes and Noble Campus Bookstore.

Esther Campbell, assistant manager of the bookstore, says they can take phone orders, ship via UPS and order products online from Collegiate Tartan Apparel. Proceeds from the sale of SFA Tartan products will benefit the university and the fashion merchandising program.