Valencia College Mascot Valencia College, located in Orlando, Florida, is known for its diverse student population and strong sense of community. One of the ways that the college fosters this sense of community is through its mascot, the Valencia College Matador. The Matador, a traditional Spanish bullfighter, represents strength, skill, and determination – qualities that the college aims to instill in its students. The mascot's vibrant red and gold colors also reflect the college's Hispanic heritage and commitment to diversity. The Valencia College Matador can be seen at various college events, including sports games, pep rallies, and community outreach programs. The mascot's presence brings a sense of excitement and school spirit to these events, rallying students and fostering a sense of pride in the college.

Mascot Appearance Request

Purrcy the VC Puma, the Valencia College mascot, can be made available for appearances at College-related events.

Appearance Request Process

• Submit your requests at least three (3) weeks prior to the appearance using the online request form below,
• No phone or email requests will be accepted.
• Requests are filled based on mascot actor availability.
• Priority is given to events in the following order:
  • Official College events (i.e., Commencement) (AVP or higher request)
  • Student Development events (Welcome Week, Spirit Week) (priority given to highest expected attendance)
  • All other requests (Photo Opportunities, Meetings/Conferences)

  Cancellation Policy

  Although rare, cancellations happen. The mascot team does everything in their power to perform at all approved appearance requests. But, with a mascot team made up entirely of students, situations including illness, class conflicts, personal emergency, etc., may occur. We reserve the right to cancel a mascot appearance up to an hour before the event.

  Terms and Conditions

  Before you make a request, you must read and agree to the following terms and conditions:

  • The costume is to be used only for official Valencia College and Valencia College Foundation events. No personal use or lending of the costume is allowed.
  • Puma participation will always include a costumed puma actor and a handler for safety and full event participation.
  • Mascot suits are not available for rent and may only be worn by trained, designated actors.
  • For the safety of our mascot team, all appearances are strictly limited to no more than a total of one hour in the mascot suit. The mascot actor will require a break every half hour if the event is indoors. During outdoor events when the temperature exceeds 85°, time in the suit is limited to 15 minutes in between breaks. Please allow extra breaks during that allotted time.
  • The mascot is unable to appear in severe weather.
  • Requestor must provide drinking water for the mascot and handler during appearances.
  • Requestor must provide a private location for the mascot to change and provide a secure, safe place to store personal belongings and mascot storage bags. This cannot be a public bathroom, closet, public space, etc.
  • Requestor must provide parking spots close to the event site for the mascot team to park. If there is any charge for parking (meter, parking garage, etc.), the Requestor is to pay for this in advance and/or provide a parking permit (if applicable to the event site).

  Request Timeline

  • At least three weeks prior to your event, request the VC Puma using the online form.
  • You will receive email confirmation that your request has been received.
  • Within five business days, our mascot handler will contact you to provide an update regarding your request.
  • Confirmation Process
    • If the mascot is available to make your appearance, you will receive a phone call confirmation from the mascot handler. We will confirm the details for your appearance (including the mascot’s attire) and give you the name and contact information for the mascot handler and performer who will be making the appearance at your event.
    • If the mascot is not able to make an appearance at your event, you will be notified via phone. We do our best to fill all requests, but please keep in mind that appearances are staffed by students.

    Request the VC Puma
    3 weeks prior to your event

    Request Update Provided
    Within 5 business days

    Final Phone Call Confirmation

    Direct Contact with Mascot Handler

    Our Brand

    Make the Valencia College mascot part of your next event or department space with a life-size replica of Purrcy the VC Puma. Available for purchase, these standees are a great way to draw attention and to show Puma Pride.

    Options

    Choose Purrcy’s Pose

    There are three versions of the mascot cutout. Designed for indoor use, these standees are made of a sturdy gatorboard material. An attached 60” easel back allows for easy set-up, transport and storage.

    Paw-on-hip Purrcy

    Height: 80”
    Width: 37.2”
    Depth (with easel back): 10”

    Waving Purrcy

    Height: 80”
    Width: 39.4”
    Depth (with easel back): 10”

    Purrcy with Sign

    Height: 81”
    Width: 47.9”
    Depth (with easel back): 10”

    Submit Your Standee Order

    Mascot standees are ordered through the Marketing department. Cost per standee is approximately $240. A department index number will be needed at the time of request submission. Delivery can take up to 3 weeks.

    About Valencia College

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    Info For

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    Support

    Valencia College provides equal opportunity for educational opportunities and employment to all. Contact the Office of Organizational Development and Human Resources for information.

    Valencia College announces new mascot, and it’s a “cool cat” – the Puma!

    Earlier in the school year, Valencia College asked its student body and the community to consider possible mascots that embodied the qualities of Valencia College students–strength, resilience, the determination to overcome obstacles, and perseverance.

    The votes were cast and counted… and the puma wins!

    It should be no surprise actually, this big resilient cat rebounded in population from 20 in 1973 to around 200 today, despite encroaching development and habitat degradation.

    Pumas are also self-reliant and strong. In short, pumas go after what they want, and stick with it until they achieve their goal–certainly bold values that Valencia College instills in their 42,631students that fill 10 locations in Osceola and Orange Counties in Central Florida.

    Cool Puma Facts (Mentioned by Valencia College)

    • Pumas are called the ‘ghosts of the forest’ because of their quickness and stealthy walk.
    • Pumas are one of the only big cat species that purrs.
    • Some pumas can weigh up to 160 pounds.
    • Puma kittens are usually two months old when they begin forging for food with their mothers, and two years old when they strike out on their own.
    • Pumas are strong, beautiful animals that thrive in connected communities.

    Positively Osceola congratulates Valencia College, its students, and the community in selecting such a powerful and highly representative mascot!

    Looking for a way to change your life in a positive way… check out Valencia College. You can apply today right now!

    Source: Valencia College

    The mascot's presence brings a sense of excitement and school spirit to these events, rallying students and fostering a sense of pride in the college. In addition to its role in fostering school spirit, the mascot also serves as a symbol of unity and belonging for the students. Students at Valencia College, regardless of their background or area of study, can rally behind the Matador as a representation of their shared commitment to education and personal growth.

    

    Overall, the Valencia College Matador serves as a proud symbol of the college's values of diversity, community, and excellence. Whether on the sidelines of a sports game or participating in a community event, the Matador embodies the spirit and ethos of Valencia College..

    Reviews for "The Science Behind the Valencia College Mascot: A Deep Dive into Symbolism and Iconography"

    1. John Doe - 1 star

    The Valencia College mascot is by far the most uninspiring and unenthusiastic mascot I have ever encountered. It lacks creativity, personality, and fails to generate any kind of excitement or school spirit. The design is just a generic representation of a bird, which is not even specific to the college's identity or region. It feels like no effort was put into creating a memorable and engaging mascot that students, alumni, and fans could rally behind. Overall, the Valencia College mascot is a major disappointment and a missed opportunity to showcase the school's pride and spirit.

    2. Jane Smith - 2 stars

    I have to admit, I was not impressed with the Valencia College mascot. It lacks originality and fails to capture the essence of the college's values and identity. The design feels outdated and unenergetic, making it difficult to feel excited or proud when seeing the mascot at games or events. It would be great if the college could consider reimagining the mascot and creating something more unique and engaging that can truly represent the spirit of Valencia College. As it stands now, the mascot feels forgettable and lacks the wow factor that other colleges' mascots possess.

    3. Michael Johnson - 2 stars

    Valencia College's choice of mascot is underwhelming, to say the least. The design is unimaginative, and it feels like a missed opportunity to create a mascot that could have brought the college community together. The bird character lacks personality and fails to resonate with students and fans. It is difficult to generate any real excitement or school pride when the mascot is so lackluster. A stronger and more creative mascot could have been a great way to increase engagement and support for Valencia College. Unfortunately, the current mascot falls flat and does not inspire any sense of school spirit.

    The Valencia College Mascot: A Catalyst for Community Engagement and Support