A Catholic university mascot holds a significant role in shaping the identity and spirit of the institution. It serves as a symbol representing the values and traditions upheld by the university community. The selection of a mascot for a Catholic university requires careful consideration, as it should align with the religious principles and mission of the institution. A Catholic university mascot often reflects the spiritual and ethical foundations of the institution. It is not merely a symbol for sports teams, but rather a representation of the university's commitment to faith, service, and academic excellence. Therefore, a mascot that embodies these values can inspire and unite students, alumni, and fans.
In Dutch, these valiant (and often violent) privateers were known as the Watergeuzen. (This is not a great college nickname—it’s too difficult to pronounce for those of us who don’t speak Dutch). In English, that term translates to “Sea Beggars.”
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Calvinists of the various provinces of the Netherlands joined to fight for their independence from their Spanish Catholic overlords. Even though the Ram appeared in an illustrated format in 1918, its true heyday began in 1925 when the first living ram, Ramses I, was borrowed from a nearby farm by a group of Fordham students.
Therefore, a mascot that embodies these values can inspire and unite students, alumni, and fans. Commonly, Catholic universities select mascots that hold religious or historical significance. For example, some institutions choose saints as their mascots, like St.
The Sea Beggar
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Calvinists of the various provinces of the Netherlands joined to fight for their independence from their Spanish Catholic overlords. Spain had a particularly formidable navy at the time—the Spanish Armada. Despite the strength of the Spanish navy, intrepid Dutch mariners took to the seas as pirates against the Spanish fleet. They harried the Spanish, capturing a number of silver galleons (often celebrated in Dutch folks songs) and winning important sea battles that contributed to the independence of the Dutch Republic (perhaps most famously, the liberation of the port city of Brill).
In Dutch, these valiant (and often violent) privateers were known as the Watergeuzen. (This is not a great college nickname—it’s too difficult to pronounce for those of us who don’t speak Dutch). In English, that term translates to “Sea Beggars.”
Many of Providence’s founders are Calvinists of Dutch extraction, as are many of our students, and so it seems appropriate that our nickname would reflect something of our Dutch Calvinist heritage. And like the Sea Beggars of history, Providence’s students are brave – and willing to work against the odds for something they believe in. Not lost on us, either, is the wonderful theological connotation of our nickname. Martin Luther’s last recorded words were Wir sind Bettler. Hoc est verum. “We are beggars; this is true.”
And so, for all of these reasons—and also because we like the idea of having a nickname that is our very own—we are the Sea Beggars.
Folk Inspiration
One of the Sea Beggars fighting for Dutch independence against Spain was the naval officer Piet Hein (November 25, 1577 – June 18, 1629). This folk hero, along with Beggars such as William II de la Marck, is one of the inspirations behind the image of the Providence mascot. Hein was a sea captain’s son, and a lifelong sailor with a rocky career. When he was young, his ship was captured by the Spanish Armada, and he served several years in a galley before being released. After several other adventures, he joined the Dutch West India Company as a vice-admiral, leading attacks on Portuguese and Spanish ports in South America and the Caribbean. His greatest success was capturing a Spanish treasure fleet full of gold and silver, though he readily admitted that due to the circumstances there was very little risk. He died as the de facto supreme commander of the Dutch naval forces after being struck by a cannonball during a tremendous sea battle.
The Dutch people memorialized Piet Hein in verse:
Piet Hein, Piet Hein,
Your name will always shine
In your little ships so neat.
You beat the silver fleet,
The mighty silver fleet from Spain.
On College Nicknames
Some might wonder about the rationale behind choosing a college nickname. Here are some of the principles that guided us in our decision.
The best college nicknames share two characteristics. First, they are linked to the institution’s history or heritage. Consider the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, certainly one of the better-known college sports nicknames. They are the Fighting Irish because the university historically drew many of its students (and athletes) from Irish Catholic communities. Or how about the North Carolina Tar Heels? Legend has it that North Carolinians are known as Tar Heels because of the tenacity demonstrated by troops from North Carolina during the Civil War.
In both these cases, the nickname has a special stickiness because it arises from the institution’s heritage. And both these cases illustrate well the second characteristic of the best college nicknames: they are unique. When you hear someone say “the Fighting Irish,” you know they are talking about Notre Dame. How many other colleges have that nickname? When you hear people say “the Tar Heels,” you know they are talking about North Carolina. The same goes for Cornhuskers, or Buckeyes (or Banana Slugs or Anteaters, for those of you who follow California college sports). When you hear someone say “the Tigers,” or “the Wildcats,” you know they are talking about … well, I think you get the point.
The best college sports nicknames are both tied to an institution’s heritage and unique.
Unique and perhaps even unusual nicknames are particularly appropriate to smaller institutions. Think about minor league baseball teams: the Carolina Mudcats, the Montgomery Biscuits, the Toledo Mud Hens, and the Lansing Lugnuts. The unusual nicknames of these teams add to their charm and appeal. (And it has to be acknowledged that some major league baseball teams have nicknames that would sound pretty unusual were they not so well known–Dodgers, Red Sox, etc.) Likewise, some small colleges have distinctive athletic nicknames that help them stand out. The Pomona College Sagehens. The Whittier College Poets. Trinity Christian College students are the Trolls. (For ESPN’s top ten list of the best college nicknames, see this article: Off to College: What Name’s Got Game?)
One of our favorites, Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, is the Blue Hose. Here is a nickname that meets all of the criteria of greatness. It is tied to the college’s history: Presbyterian was established by Presbyterians in the mill town of Clinton. Blue, the color of the Scottish flag, is associated with Presbyterianism, a distinctively Scottish brand of Protestant Christianity. Clinton, the mill town, used to excel in producing hosiery. And Presbyterian College’s early athletic teams often wore blue socks. Hence, the Presbyterian College Blue Hose (which, by the way, scores uniqueness points for having started out as “Stockings” but becoming “Hose” as opposed to “Sox”).
At Providence, we too have a nickname that bears all of the marks of greatness. It is tied to our heritage. It is unique. And hence it is particularly appropriate to us as a small college.
At Providence, we are the Sea Beggars.
Sea Beggars Rule!
Written by Lorissa Haveman, Class of 2015
Avast, ye mateys! Gather round the mast!
To tell ye a tale, and tell it fast!
To sail with ye back in time,
Before the Beggars, before Piet Hein.
All of ye buried in books are learning,
But in the 1600s, a war was churning!
The Spanish were trying to expand –
Trying to take this to the Netherland!
Soon all of the Dutch were under the grip
Of a Spanish King whose name was Philip!
His Armada was formidable
But the Dutch were not hospitable.
And much to Spain’s Catholic consternation
Many Dutch had joined the Reformation!
William of Orange, known for his silence
Thought, “This can only be solved with violence!”
(Oh, and by the way, another fact for you:
He also inspired the orange and blue!)
The Dutch were fighting to be free
And William of Orange cried, “Take to the sea!”
So from small and large Dutch provinces
Came intrepid sea-faring Calvinists!
They approached the Armada where it floated
And captured the Spaniards with silver loaded.
The Beggars won more battles on land and sea
That finally gave the Dutch their liberty!
Francis or St. Ignatius, emphasizing their dedication to the principles and teachings of these particular saints. Other Catholic universities may opt for symbols that represent the Christian faith, such as a cross, dove, or lamb. These symbols evoke a sense of spirituality and remind the university community of their shared beliefs and spiritual journey. Moreover, some Catholic universities incorporate local or regional elements into their mascots. This may involve using an animal or character closely associated with the university's location or history. By doing so, the mascot can symbolize the connection between the university and the surrounding community. When selecting a Catholic university mascot, it is essential to ensure that it promotes inclusivity and respect for all individuals. The mascot should not offend or alienate any religious or cultural groups but rather foster a sense of unity and belonging among students, staff, and alumni. In conclusion, a Catholic university mascot serves as a powerful symbol representing the institution's values and traditions. It is carefully chosen to reflect the religious principles, cultural heritage, and community spirit of the university. By embodying the ideals of faith, service, and academic excellence, the mascot inspires and unites the university community, fostering a sense of pride and unity among students, alumni, and fans..
Reviews for "From Script Letters to Feathered Friends: Catholic University Mascots Throughout the Years"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was extremely disappointed with the choice of the Catholic University mascot. As a non-religious individual, I was hoping for a more inclusive and neutral representation for the university. It feels exclusive and alienating to have a mascot that is so strongly tied to one religious faith. I believe that a mascot should reflect the diverse student body and promote unity, rather than reinforcing religious affiliations.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
While I understand that Catholic University would naturally have a mascot related to their religious identity, I couldn't help but feel that it limited the university's appeal to a broader audience. As a prospective student from a different faith background, the mascot didn't resonate with me and made me question whether I would truly feel welcome on campus. I think it would be more beneficial for the university to choose a mascot that represents its values and community without explicitly favoring one religious tradition.
3. David - ★☆☆☆☆
Choosing a religious mascot for a university seems very outdated and exclusionary. It sends a message to potential students and faculty members that only those who align with the Catholic faith are truly welcomed and supported. A university should strive to create an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity. Unfortunately, the choice of a religious mascot hinders that objective and may deter individuals who do not identify with Catholicism from considering the institution.
4. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
While I respect Catholic University's religious affiliation, I found the choice of their mascot to be overly traditional and unoriginal. It would have been more intriguing to see a more modern and unique representation that incorporates both the religious aspect and the broader university spirit. This would have allowed for a more inclusive and captivating mascot that resonates with a wider audience and showcases the institution's values and mission in a more creative way.