"Otters For Life" Statue

The statue, depicting two otters in motion, honors the past, grounds us in the present and inspires those who will follow in our footsteps. Years from now, future students will pass this statue and feel connected to something greater—a tradition of care, courage and community stretching back to our inspired founding in 1994.

This statue is a place to gather, reflect and remember what it means to belong to an inspired collection of dedicated students, faculty, staff, alums and community members who care and embrace our mission. It's a landmark of pride. It reminds us that being an Otter doesn't end at graduation—it's something we carry with us for life, and each person is forever part of the Otter Raft.

About the Artist

Artist: Edward Eyth

The university accepted concepts and proposals from several local, regional and national artists. We chose Edward Eyth for the commission to study, design and create "Otters for Life" in bronze.

Edward Eyth is a creative director, designer, sculptor and educator with over 25 years of experience in entertainment, tech and consumer products. He collaborates with many professionals, including filmmakers, developers and museum curators, bringing a user-focused philosophy to physical and digital projects. He consults on creative initiatives and teaches design, digital art and sculpture. Eyth has worked with top innovators, Fortune 500 companies and global organizations. His sculpture achievements include the 2013 Sport Artist of the Year award, a national first-place award in contemporary nude art, and representing the U.S. in the 2008 International Olympics Art Competition. He was also honored in the Pageant of the Masters and the Beijing Olympic Sculpture Exhibition. Eyth has lived in NYC and LA and is now a Professor of Design at Savannah College of Art & Design.

Ensuring that the sea otters were accurately depicted was an essential part of this project. Edward visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium on several occasions, consulted with marine wildlife experts and visited Elkhorn Slough to study otter behavior and anatomy. During the clay sculpting process, he consulted with university faculty to confirm the correctness of the anatomy before creating the final production and before the statue was cast.

Since the inception of the sculpture commission, the committee and the artist have been committed to verifying fine details to create a near-accurate representation of our beloved sea otters. 3D Foundry in Portland, OR, made the wax molds that Masters in Metal of Ventura, CA, ultimately cast into 26 bronze pieces to create "Otters for Life." The 26 bronze statue pieces were welded to a stainless steel interior skeleton. Once unified in a single sculpture, a special patina treatment was applied. This patina protects the statue from the harsh ocean air and gives it the signature aged appearance.

Ocean Path

A blue-tinted stamped concrete section rests immediately below the pedestal of the "Otters for Life" statue and will contain the names of the donors who helped to make this campus landmark a reality. Alums, supporters, community members, students, faculty and staff have a unique opportunity to cement their place on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus. Commemorative 'bricks' are available at $300, $500, $1500 or $2500 levels. Each donation helps support future generations of Otters who will stand next to the statue, touch it to draw from the dreams of prosperity and the community it embodies, and walk the blue path as current students do daily.

We encourage our alumni and students to participate in this opportunity so that their names can live alongside this statue as a permanent reminder of their CSUMB journey. 

'Bricks' are purchased through a donation to the Foundation for Cal State Monterey Bay on their website.

Dedication Ceremony

The dedication of the "Otters for Life" was celebrated by students, alumni and supporters on April 17, 2025. A recap, photos and videos from the event will soon be available on this webpage. Check out the archive of coverage on @CSUMB social media on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Traditions

The "Otters for Life" is more than just a bronze monument on campus; it symbolizes spirit, tradition and community that comes to life with every interaction. It is a popular place for a photo op by students on Otter Thursday spirit days, by parents and supporters for a picture with their student on Raft Weekend, and a place to take your first photo on campus marking the start of your Cal State Monterey Bay journey during the annual Open House, Admitted Otter Day or before your first campus tour as a prospective student.

The statue also serves as a point of strength for each otter when they touch the right paw and "Raft Up." This gesture reflects the spirit of our campus community, the journey we have taken together, and how we come together and benefit from each other in the Strength of Us ®. When Rafting as a group with the statue and friends, the gesture symbolizes the lifelong nature of the connections you gain and how you found your people at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Students also draw from the wisdom of the Otter Alumni before them by rubbing the nose of the otter for luck before exams and for prosperity in life after graduation. This makes the statue a popular place for cap-and-gown photos before walking the stage to receive a diploma, concluding that phase of the student's learning journey.

Donor Reception

In fall 2025, we will gather again to commemorate the installation of the first group of supporters who contributed to the creation of "Otters for Life" by placing their names on the 'bricks' in the Ocean Path.