School Mascot

[Mr. Van]

There are two institutes of higher learning that have recognized that the beaver is most appropriate for a mascot. They are MIT and Caltech. I am fairly sure (and Woodie will back me up...) that MIT selected this noble animal first.

Here's what Lester Gardner (MIT 1898) said in favor of this mascot which was selected by MIT in 1914:

“We first thought of the kangaroo, which, like Tech, goes forward by leaps and bounds. Then we considered the elephant. He is wise, patient, strong, hard working, and like all those who graduate from Tech, has a good tough hide. But neither of these were American animals. We turned to [William Temple] Hornaday’s book on the animals of North America and instantly chose the beaver. The beaver not only typifies the Tech [student], but his habits are peculiarly our own. The beaver is noted for his engineering, mechanical skills, and industry. His habits are nocturnal. He does his best work in the dark.”

-Mr. Van
Coach, RoboDox 599

PS. It is University of California at Santa Cruz which has the glorious Bannana Slug as its mascot.

[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by Mr. Van

It is University of California at Santa Cruz which has the glorious Bannana Slug as its mascot.

Faugh on the banana slug. Zot zot zot!

University of California, Irvine, class of '81...