Goodbye Rosie?

Two weeks ago, during the first senate meeting of the school year, a senior brought up the idea of changing the school’s mascot during the open discussion. He noted that he had heard from some number of football players that they didn’t like being called the Fightin’ Engineers and that they wanted to change it. When he brought it up, there was a slightly awkward, almost stunned silence. He clarified that he brought it up mostly to just get an opinion from the Senate and the general population. By the end of the meeting, only one person had clearly voiced his support. One person made the very poignant comment that the alumni would kill us if we changed the mascot. From what I heard at this past senate meeting, almost every senator reported that no one particularly likes the idea of changing the mascot.

Besides the lack in pride in being called a Fightin’ Engineer (and I guess embarrassment), there is one important fact to realize: if we change our mascot to anything but an elephant, we lose Rosie, our beloved elephant. Rosie has been a staple and cornerstone of this school since Rose Polytechnic started its sports program. She has been our symbol of school spirit for decades and hasn’t let us down. Rosie is something very unique to this school, along with our title of Fightin’ Engineers; very appropriate considering how unique a school we are. We are the top engineering school in the country and at the same time, we have excellent sports programs that do very well. I believe being called a Fightin’ Engineer is something a Rose athlete should be proud of.

If the majority of the school does feel it should be changed, so be it. Just ask yourself some questions. Would you rather be called a Fire cat or Cardinal (as suggested by those wanting to change it)? Is it really worth the effort to change it? How about the next time you get comments on being a Fightin’ Engineer, tell them how we are doing this season in sports. As of right now, no team this fall has a losing record. Take pride in what you do, in your school, and in what your school represents. It is your choice to be here.