Valparaiso University, commonly referred to as Valpo, is a private university located in Valparaiso, Indiana. One of the beloved traditions of the university is its college mascot, Victory the Crusader. Victory has been a symbol of the university for over 70 years and is an integral part of the Valpo athletic teams and community. The Crusader is a representation of the university's Christian heritage and values. With his iconic armor, shield, and sword, Victory embodies the spirit of determination, courage, and faith that Valpo students and athletes strive to uphold. The Crusader serves as a source of inspiration for the university community, reminding them to face challenges head-on and to always persevere.
The Crusades were a series of holy wars organized by popes over time starting around 1095 A.D. and continuing for at least 500 years, David Parnell, an associate professor of history at Indiana University-Northwest in Gary, has said.
The faculty and student senates also passed resolutions calling on the university to retire the Crusader and the university s alumni board of directors passed a resolution calling for review of the use of the mascot, its appropriateness and alignment with the university s values. Valparaiso University s controversial Crusader mascot is on the way out, with the decision on a new mascot expected to come from the university s incoming president with input from the campus community.
The Crusader serves as a source of inspiration for the university community, reminding them to face challenges head-on and to always persevere. Victory's presence is not limited to sporting events. He can often be seen at various campus activities, from student orientations to alumni reunions.
Valparaiso University drops Crusader mascot; incoming president expected to lead quest for replacement
Valparaiso University’s controversial Crusader mascot is on the way out, with the decision on a new mascot expected to come from the university’s incoming president with input from the campus community.
“This is the right thing to do at the right time and for the right reason,” said Interim President Colette Irwin-Knott, who announced the decision Thursday in a video message to the campus community and alumni along with Kaitlyn Steinhiser, president of the student body.
AdvertisementWhile the Crusader has been the university’s mascot since a switch from the Germanic calvary soldier the uhlan in 1942 because of the rise of Nazi Germany, those involved with the effort to remove the Crusader said that discussion began decades ago but didn’t gain cohesion until this summer, after protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and growing awareness of racial injustice that followed, as well as the use of Crusader imagery during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Irwin-Knott put together a task force to examine the matter, which sent out a survey to students, alumni, faculty and staff for feedback on the Crusader. In all, 7,700 respondents took part in that survey and more than 80% of them identified “Valpo” as the university’s dominant brand, compared to 2.5%, who selected the Crusader.
AdvertisementColette Irwin-Knott (Provided/Valparaiso University / HANDOUT)
“It really shows who we are when it boils down to the numbers,” Steinhiser said.
She’s pleased university officials reached the decision they did about the Crusader and added that the engagement of alumni in the effort to remove the Crusader, which included the creation over the summer of a Facebook page, “was helpful and powerful.”
With an interim university president in place, Steinhiser said the movement was well timed because Irwin-Knott could make that call and President-elect Jose D. Padilla, who begins in his new role on March 1, could oversee the selection of a new mascot.
“I’m glad we took advantage of that window,” she said.
The faculty and student senates also passed resolutions calling on the university to retire the Crusader and the university’s alumni board of directors passed a resolution calling for review of the use of the mascot, its appropriateness and alignment with the university’s values.
The Crusades were a series of holy wars organized by popes over time starting around 1095 A.D. and continuing for at least 500 years, David Parnell, an associate professor of history at Indiana University-Northwest in Gary, has said.
The majority of the Crusaders were primarily interested in serving God and the Catholic Church. Participants took an oath to complete a crusade and, when it was completed, received an indulgence, or the remission of the guilt of sin, Parnell has said, adding the Crusades were seen as the ultimate penance, the good thing someone could do for the church.
What people find divisive about Crusaders is that, like other Medieval soldiers, they massacred civilians and enemy combatants and ransacked communities, Parnell has said, adding Crusades were called and organized around a startling variety of people, including Muslims in the Middle East and in Spain, and Jews.
AdvertisementOver the past several years, Irwin-Knott said, there has been a diminished use of the Crusader with a focus on the Valpo brand.
The university will continue to retire its Crusader imagery and logos over the coming months while simultaneously forming a committee to engage the campus community in considering and adopting a new mascot. Padilla will oversee that committee.
The next mascot, Irwin-Knott said, will be one “that is more representative of our mission and values.”
An online petition started late last year to retire the Crusader noted that other faith-based universities that previously used the mascot have dropped it over the years. That includes Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, which retired the mascot in 2000.
“The Crusader name and imagery represent war, violence, racism, xenophobia, and forced assimilation — one of the darkest periods in Christian history,” the petition stated. “This stands in direct contrast to the University’s publicly stated mission and values. As our nation and world face a moment of long overdue reckoning on racial justice, equity, and inclusion, we believe Valpo must be bold to make real changes, including the ways we present our institution to the world.”
In dropping the Crusader, university officials said, VU is following the same course as virtually all other universities that carried the Crusader as their mascot or a symbol for their school.
Advertisement“Our faith and core values remain steadfast and our rich history will not change. Only our mascot will,” Irwin-Knott said.
Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
The faculty and student senates also passed resolutions calling on the university to retire the Crusader and the university’s alumni board of directors passed a resolution calling for review of the use of the mascot, its appropriateness and alignment with the university’s values.
His presence serves as a unifying force, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans alike under the common banner of Valpo pride. The selection of Victory as the college mascot highlights the university's commitment to both its religious and academic mission. It symbolizes the desire to prepare students for a life of service, leadership, and excellence, both on and off the field. Victory serves as a reminder to all Valpo students that they are members of a community that values faith, knowledge, and character. In conclusion, Victory the Crusader is a cherished symbol of Valparaiso University. Through his representation, he embodies the university's core values and inspires students, athletes, and the entire Valpo community to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. Just as the Crusader is associated with courage and determination, Victory serves as a reminder to all that Valpo is a place where individuals can rise to the challenge and achieve greatness..
Reviews for "The Athletic Success of Valpo College: Is it All About the Mascots?"
1. Jane - 2/5 - I have to be honest, I really don't understand the Valpo college mascot. It's just weird and confusing. I mean, what is it supposed to be? A mix between a bird and a person? It's just strange and doesn't make any sense to me. It doesn't really embody the spirit or essence of the college, in my opinion. It's more of a distraction than anything else.
2. Mike - 1/5 - The Valpo college mascot is absolutely terrible. It's not intimidating or memorable at all. It's just a plain and boring character with no uniqueness or creativity. When you think of college mascots, you think of fierce animals or strong and powerful figures, not some weird-looking bird person. It's just not engaging or inspiring in any way. They really need to rethink their choice of mascot.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I find the Valpo college mascot quite underwhelming. It's just not captivating or exciting. I think a college mascot should be something that brings pride to the students and alumni, something they can rally behind and support. Unfortunately, the Valpo mascot falls short in that aspect. It feels like a missed opportunity to have a more inspiring and dynamic symbol for the college. It's just not memorable enough to leave a lasting impression.
4. Mark - 1/5 - The Valpo college mascot is just plain silly. I can't take it seriously and I'm sure I'm not alone. It's not imposing or commanding, it's just laughable. I think a college mascot should represent strength, passion, and determination, but unfortunately, this mascot embodies none of those qualities. It's time for Valpo college to retire this mascot and find something more befitting of their image and values.
5. Amanda - 1/5 - I have to say, the Valpo college mascot is quite disappointing. It lacks originality and creativity, and it's just not visually appealing. It's hard to explain exactly what it is or what it represents, and that's a big problem. A mascot should be easily recognizable and resonate with the college community. This mascot fails to accomplish that. It's time for Valpo college to reconsider their mascot choice and find something more inspiring and representative of their identity.