Benny Beaver is the beloved mascot of Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. Benny embodies the university's pride, spirit, and enthusiasm, and is a cherished symbol of Beaver Nation. Benny Beaver first made his appearance in 1951, and has since become an iconic figure in the university community. Benny is a beaver, which is a type of semi-aquatic rodent native to North America. Beavers are known for their exceptional building and engineering skills, as they construct dams and lodges using branches, mud, and rocks. This connection to nature and the Pacific Northwest is deeply ingrained in Benny's identity.
The Lavender squad was four touchdowns behind Columbia, but kept fighting to the last. This was supposed to have prompted the Lion’s coach to remark that the City team “keeps gnawing and chewing away at our lead like a bunch of beavers.” The tag was supposed to have stuck from then on. (The Ticker, September 27, 1949, 7)
The beaver was chosen, with the explanation that besides being a symbol of a busy, industrious animal who would sink his teeth into a job until he finished it, the beaver is also found on the New York City seal. The beaver was chosen, with the explanation that besides being a symbol of a busy, industrious animal who would sink his teeth into a job until he finished it, the beaver is also found on the New York City seal.
This connection to nature and the Pacific Northwest is deeply ingrained in Benny's identity. Benny Beaver is often seen wearing an orange and black OSU sports jersey, with the university's logo prominently displayed. He is a familiar presence at all Oregon State University sporting events, where he leads cheers, entertains the crowd, and boosts team morale.
Bennie the Beaver
For decades after the disappearance of the Ichthyosaurus, City College had no mascot. The teams were nicknamed “Lavender,” in honor of the school song, and “The St. Nicks,” in honor of Saint Nicholas Terrace, where the college had moved uptown.
All this changed in 1934, when City College acquired its first official mascot. That year the Student Life Department decided to run a contest to pick a new mascot – a football being the prize for the winner. The beaver was chosen, with the explanation that “besides being a symbol of a busy, industrious animal who would sink his teeth into a job until he finished it, the beaver is also found on the New York City seal.” (The Ticker, September 27, 1949, 7)
Bennie the Football Player
Lexicon, 1942 (Baruch College Archives) Bennie Taking a Shower
Lexicon, 1942 (Baruch College Archives)
Another version of the origin story, although admittedly false, took place on a football field:
The Lavender squad was four touchdowns behind Columbia, but kept fighting to the last. This was supposed to have prompted the Lion’s coach to remark that the City team “keeps gnawing and chewing away at our lead like a bunch of beavers.” The tag was supposed to have stuck from then on. (The Ticker, September 27, 1949, 7)
Beaver Statue in the Student Center
Lexicon, 1964 (Baruch College Archives) Bennie the Accountant
Lexicon, 1959 (Baruch College Archives)
The beaver became an immensely popular mascot, his image frequently gracing the pages of The Ticker and Lexicon. At one point, a student group calling themselves The Beaver Party secured a victory in the student elections. Eventually a statue to the beaver went up in the business school’s student center on East 22nd Street in the 1960s. Bennie the Beaver was the name of the main mascot (named after a popular football coach in the 1930s), while the evening session’s mascot was Bernie B. Beaver.
The Beaver was at its peak of popularity at the school when Baruch became an independent college. Due to the fact that the beaver was the mascot of its mother institution, a new mascot had to be found. Baruch teams became known as the Statesmen – a nod to its prominent alumnus Bernard Baruch. The difficulty in portraying a statesman as a mascot resulted in a lack of images. Only a single attempt could be found over the more than thirty years of its existence.
Bennie the Beaver remained the mascot of City College until his retirement in 2004.
Beaver Statue in the Student Center
Lexicon, 1964 (Baruch College Archives) Bennie the Accountant
Lexicon, 1959 (Baruch College Archives)
In addition to athletics, Benny also makes appearances at various campus events, fundraisers, and community engagements. Benny's playful and energetic nature makes him a hit with fans of all ages. He engages in entertaining antics, such as dancing, performing tricks, and engaging in friendly competitions with other mascots. Benny's enthusiasm is contagious, and his presence adds to the vibrant atmosphere of Oregon State University's events. Benny Beaver serves as a unifying symbol for students, alumni, faculty, and fans alike. He brings people together, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. Benny's positive energy and unwavering support for the university's teams inspire students to excel academically and athletically. His presence also helps to create lasting memories for those who attend Oregon State University. In conclusion, Benny Beaver is more than just a mascot; he is a representation of the values and spirit of Oregon State University. From his jubilant cheers to his playful antics, Benny brings joy and excitement to the university community. He is an embodiment of the pride, passion, and unity that make up Beaver Nation..
Reviews for "Benny Beaver's Greatest Moments: A Look Back at the Iconic Mascot's Legacy"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I found "Benny Beaver Nasfot" to be extremely disappointing and not worth the watch. The storyline was boring and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional and unlikable. The humor fell flat, and the comedic timing was off throughout the entire film. Overall, I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for an enjoyable comedy experience.
2. John - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Benny Beaver Nasfot" based on the trailer, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot lacked depth and the jokes felt forced. The attempts at humor seemed to rely too heavily on crude and cheap gags, which didn't resonate with me. The performances were lackluster, and the whole film felt disjointed and disconnected. It had the potential to be a funny and entertaining movie, but it ultimately missed the mark for me.
3. Emma - 1/5 stars - "Benny Beaver Nasfot" was a complete waste of my time and money. The jokes were tasteless and offensive, relying on stereotypes and offensive humor that I found cringe-worthy. The characters were poorly developed, and the acting was subpar. The plot was nonsensical and lacked coherence, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. Overall, I would not recommend this movie to anyone who values quality storytelling and genuine humor.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - I had heard mixed reviews about "Benny Beaver Nasfot", and unfortunately, I have to side with those who were disappointed. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat. The jokes felt stale and repetitive, and the pacing was off. The film tried too hard to be funny, resulting in forced and awkward humor. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and failed to engage me as a viewer. Overall, I found "Benny Beaver Nasfot" to be a forgettable and unremarkable comedy.