A Mascot for Swarthmore?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
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<p>In the dim past Swarthmore was known as the "Little Quakers" and sometimes "Earthworms" (an anagram of Swarthmore). These days athletic teams are more often called "The Garnet" or sometimes "The Garnet Tide" after the school's colors. But there is no official school mascot. Now the college community is thinking of coming up with an official mascot. Here's the news from the Daily Gazette:</p>

<p>Mascot search picks up </p>

<p>This week, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Garnet Club members are "storming the dorms" and attempting to get 750 signatures to show student support for the search, development, and implementation of a new Swarthmore mascot. Also, this weekend the groups met with members of the Alumni Council, who seemed receptive to the idea of a new mascot. President Al Bloom and Vice President of College and Community Relations Maurice Eldridge both gave support to the search for a new mascot as long as alumni and faculty voices are heard. The Board of Managers will have to approve whatever mascot is chosen, but support from the student body is the first step.</p>

<p>Students who wish to sign the petition would be agreeing to the following:</p>

<hr>

<p>I, a current student at Swarthmore College, am in favor of the initiation of a search, development and implementation of a Swarthmore mascot.</p>

<p>I believe that a mascot would significantly increase the unity, enthusiasm, spirit and pride in the Swarthmore community. Representing all quarters of the campus and the alumni network, a mascot would provide an opportunity for increased cohesion and collaboration within our unique college.</p>

<p>A community wide search for a new mascot would ensure representation of the union of the academic, artistic and athletic populations within Swarthmore. The independent and distinct nature of Swarthmore would undoubtedly be embodied and compellingly articulated through this new symbol of our college. A fresh sense of school spirit would be catalyzed by our campus's ability to rally behind this new mascot.</p>

<h2>Through incorporation of the student body, alumni, administration, faculty and staff of Swarthmore in the search process, a mascot would represent the past, present and future of the college.</h2>

<p>Heidi Fieselmann, co-chair of SAAC, provided information for this write-up and permission to print the text coming from the petition.</p>

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<p>Swarthmore should follow the lead of the New England LACs and go with a goofy animal mascot. You want something unique and distinctive, and this can best be achieved this by picking an animal that no other college would want. A whimsical approach is desirable, because this is Division III athletics after all. </p>

<p>NESCAC, for example, has the Purple Cows, White Mules, Jumbos, Polar Bears, Bantams, and Camels. Note that adding a specific color can help.</p>

<p>Another, less-common NESCAC approach is goofy nicknames based on historical figures, like the Ephs, Continentals, or Lord Jeffs. But then you run the risk of historical revisionism. Animals work better in practice. </p>

<p>Sadly, a few NESCACs are stuck with boring generic animal mascots, like Panthers, Bobcats, or Cardinals. This is a pity, and Swarthmore can do better. "Earthworms" is not a bad start.</p>