McGill University does not have an official mascot. The university, located in Montreal, Canada, has a rich history and tradition, but a mascot has never been officially adopted. This is in contrast to many other universities and colleges, which often have a mascot representing their school's spirit and identity. Some universities choose animals as their mascots, such as tigers, bears, or lions, to symbolize strength and power. Others opt for mythical creatures or characters, like a knight or a dragon, to evoke a sense of fantasy and excitement. However, McGill has not followed in this tradition and has instead relied on other symbols and traditions to represent the university.
McGill University made the announcement about the new name, the Redbirds, more than a year after doing away with the old Redmen name, which Indigenous students, faculty and staff argued was discriminatory.
While several names emerged as top choices, in the end the Redbirds rose to the forefront for its strong links to both the past and present of McGill Athletics and Recreation. But when Jirousek first arrived at McGill University in the fall of 2016, he was one of only about 150 Indigenous students out of nearly 28,000 undergrads.
However, McGill has not followed in this tradition and has instead relied on other symbols and traditions to represent the university. One possible reason for the absence of an official mascot at McGill is the school's focus on its academic reputation. McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Canada and worldwide, known for its rigorous academics and research programs.
The McGill Redbirds: new name for a new era to wear, and cheer for with pride
McGill University has chosen a new name that will take its men’s varsity teams into the University’s third century. The name — chosen with the aim of paying homage to Athletics and Recreation’s tradition and history while simultaneously uniting our community — is the McGill Redbirds.
“This decision was the culmination of extensive consultation, debate and deliberation,” says Deputy Provost, Student Life and Learning Fabrice Labeau, co-chair of the Men’s Varsity Teams Naming Committee. “While several names emerged as top choices, in the end the Redbirds rose to the forefront for its strong links to both the past and present of McGill Athletics and Recreation.”
These links include its past use as the name of several McGill sports clubs, teams and events: the Red Birds Ski Club was founded in 1928 by 3 McGill graduates and still exists today; in the early 1930’s, the McGill Nordic Ski team used the name Redbirds, and this team is part of the McGill A&R Hall of Fame; through the late 1990s and well into the 2000s, the McGill Baseball team was also known as the Redbirds; and Athletics and Recreation traditionally hosted a fall basketball tournament that was known as the Redbird Classic. It is also the name of the Currie Gym’s sports shop – the Redbird Sports Shop.
Over the course of its mandate, the Men’s Varsity Teams Naming Committee held 13 committee meetings, which included both individual and group presentations from students, staff, Varsity athletes, and alumni. An open call for submissions was put out and widely publicized in order to obtain broad participation. Finally, a request for feedback on the names submitted most often was sent to the community, in order to ensure that all perspectives were heard and understood.
In total, 1238 submissions were received, making up 230 different options.
“I have little doubt that the men’s varsity athletes will continue to achieve greatness as they write this next chapter,” says alumni Hubert T. Lacroix, co-chair of the Men’s Varsity Teams Naming Committee. “Our varsity teams are a vital part of the McGill community and experience, and I am confident this new name is one that we can all be proud of.”
Once COVID-19 restrictions allow, McGill will celebrate this new era of McGill men’s varsity sports with the entire community.
About McGill University
Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is Canada’s top ranked medical doctoral university. McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with research activities spanning two campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 40,000 students, including more than 10,200 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,800 international students making up 31% of the student body. Over half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 19% of our students who say French is their mother tongue.
The emphasis on intellectual pursuits may have led the school to prioritize its academic reputation over the adoption of a mascot. Additionally, McGill's diverse student body may also be a factor in the lack of an official mascot. With students coming from all around the world, it may be challenging to choose a mascot that represents the various cultures and backgrounds of the student population accurately. While McGill may not have an official mascot, the university does have various symbols that are deeply ingrained in its traditions. The McGill Redmen, although no longer used as an official team name since 2019, was formerly the name of many of the university's sports teams and a part of its athletic history. McGill also has a motto, "Grandescunt Aucta Labore," meaning "By work, all things increase and grow." This motto represents the values of hard work and growth that are central to the university's identity. Overall, while McGill University does not have an official mascot, it remains a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence and rich traditions. The absence of a mascot does not diminish its status or school spirit, as it continues to thrive in its dedication to education and research..
Reviews for "The Impact of the McGill University Mascot on Student Morale"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the McGill University mascot. It just didn't feel representative of the energy and spirit of the university. The mascot lacked creativity and looked like a generic blue blob. I think they could have done a lot better in designing something that would evoke excitement and pride among the students. Overall, I was left underwhelmed and unimpressed with the mascot choice.
2. John - 1/5 stars - The McGill University mascot is a complete letdown. I was expecting something fierce and strong, but instead, we got this weird-looking creature that doesn't even resemble anything related to the university or its values. It's hard to take our school spirit seriously when our mascot is so aesthetically unpleasing. I think it's time for McGill to reconsider the mascot and come up with something that truly embodies the essence of our institution.
3. Emily - 3/5 stars - The McGill University mascot is alright, but it's nothing special. It lacks a certain uniqueness and fails to leave a lasting impression. While it's not terrible, it simply doesn't evoke any real excitement or school pride. I think McGill missed an opportunity to create a mascot that could unite the student body and create a sense of belonging. Overall, it's just a mediocrity that could have been so much more.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - I was really hoping for a more adventurous and spirited mascot for McGill University. The current mascot just comes across as dull and uninspiring. It's hard to rally behind a mascot that doesn't spark any excitement or pride. I hope McGill considers exploring other options and creating a mascot that truly represents the university's values and spirit.