Before every winter break, the university bookstore braces for the onslaught of students frantic to find Carnegie Mellon gifts to take home to family and friends. Last December’s rush seemed to be a good time to judge the popularity of the university’s first official mascot—the Scottish terrier, unveiled at the Tartans’ November 10th football game.
“It’s nice to finally have a mascot that does not need to be explained,” says one student, waiting in a checkout line to purchase the stuffed animal for her niece. “It always felt weird at sporting events to just be cheering for a fabric. Having a mascot that is an animated being makes sense.”
“I think the Scottish terrier is a great choice,” adds another student. “The Scottish terrier has a way of looking distinguished, dignified, and intelligent but also reminds me of the ferocious beast from The Hound of the Baskervilles, like it could snap your leg off any minute.”
The students’ approval is no surprise to the task force that was in charge of choosing a mascot. During the selection process, which included a university town hall meeting and surveys, nearly 78% of the students voted for the Scottish terrier, and approximately 25% of alumni thought the Scottish terrier already was the mascot.
Judging by the Tartan customers in the crowded checkout lines—clutching mascot T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs, and other official memorabilia—the right choice was made.
—JENNIFER DAMICO (HS’07)
