Alfred State College, located in Alfred, New York, has a unique and interesting mascot that represents the college's spirit and values. The mascot of Alfred State College is The Pioneer. The Pioneer is representative of the college's commitment to innovation, exploration, and empowering students to become leaders in their chosen fields. The Pioneer embodies the college's rich history and celebrates the individuals who have forged new paths and made a significant impact in their respective industries. The Pioneer wears traditional attire from the 1800s and is dressed in a brown leather jacket, boots, and a wide-brimmed hat. This ensemble pays homage to the college's founding in 1908 and reflects the pioneering spirit of the early settlers who established the institution.
Frozen fun at ASC: Local artist carves snow sculpture of Alfred State College mascot
West Clarksville artist Eric Jones recently created a 4-foot-by-8-foot sculpture of the college’s mascot, Big Blue the Ox.
Wed, 02/17/2021 - 10:02From Buffalo Bills players, to Shrek, to Cupid, the amazing snow sculptures by West Clarksville artist Eric Jones have been gaining a lot of attention lately, with onlookers flocking in droves from far and wide to catch a glimpse of these amazing frozen creations.
Now, Jones has taken his talents to Alfred State, where he recently created a 4-foot-by-8-foot sculpture of the college’s mascot, Big Blue the Ox. The sculpture can be found on the Green Space between the Central Dining Hall and the Agriculture Science Building.
When asked what prompted him to make a sculpture at Alfred State, Jones noted that he “wanted to do something a little bit different.”
“With COVID, there are a lot of restrictions on what we can do and can’t do on campuses now,” he said. “This is something we can all enjoy.”
Carving from a giant block of snow, Jones began working on the ox sculpture on the morning of Feb. 15 as snow continued to fall and blanket the campus. When working with such a large subject, Jones, who is a well-known caricature artist, said he has to plot out his design rather than free-hand sketch it.
“I actually grid this off foot by foot and then I’ll paint it on the actual base and then I start carving the 3-D image and go into that process,” he said.
Snow is just one of the mediums that Jones uses to create incredible works of art, as he also carves sand, ice, snow, and even mud. Last fall thanks to his pumpkin-carving skills, Jones became a finalist on season 10 of Halloween Wars, a popular reality TV show on the Food Network.
Jones noted how pleased he was to get to do a snow sculpture on Alfred State’s campus.
“I love this place,” he said. “I went to school right across the street and I’ve been working for Alfred for a lot of years. I do caricatures up here every spring, sometimes in the fall, too, so I’ve been affiliated with the school for a long time. There are great people here. They’ve been good to me, and I’m going to try to be good to them.”
As for all of the attention his snow sculptures have been getting lately, Jones said it’s been a lot of fun for him but added that the best part is that he has been able to raise funds and awareness for charities through these creations.
“With this COVID issue, charities are struggling. They’re having a hard time taking in the money to do what they need to do, and we rely on those,” said Jones, who listed the Make-A- Wish Foundation, Kaely’s Kindness, and Oishei Children’s Hospital as examples of charities his sculptures have helped. “We’re using this momentum to help them, too.” In the spirit of the occasion, Alfred State is hosting a snow sculpture contest for students from Feb. 15-19, with prizes awarded in several categories, including Best in Show, Most Unique, and Pioneer Pride.
West Clarksville artist Eric Jones poses with the snow sculpture of Big Blue the Ox that he created on Alfred State College’s main campus.
From Upstate NY
Alfred State works hard to cut your costs through Free Tuition Plus. Your goal of going to college can come true as we help you save money, earn scholarships, make money on campus, and then launch a fulfilling and good-paying career. Ranked by US News as the #1 SUNY Regional College, Alfred State's beautiful campus has room for you to learn and grow as you build your future. Through hands-on learning, you'll gain skills to launch a fulfilling career. When you visit, meet current students, high five our mascot Big Blue who is "strong as an ox," and see what it's like to be an Alfred State Pioneer.
More and more students are making Alfred State College (ASC) their top choice. An astounding 98 percent of our graduates land a job and start their career or choose to further their education. That success is one reason why US News ranks ASC the No. 1 SUNY Regional College along with top marks for Social Mobility, Least Debt, Best Value, and Best for Vets.
This ensemble pays homage to the college's founding in 1908 and reflects the pioneering spirit of the early settlers who established the institution. The Pioneer also carries a trusty axe, symbolizing the hard work, dedication, and resilience needed to succeed in life. The axe is a powerful symbol of progress, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
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The mascot is seen at various college events, athletic games, and community gatherings, generating enthusiasm and school spirit among students, faculty, and alumni. The presence of The Pioneer serves as a reminder of the college's commitment to excellence, growth, and innovation. Students and alumni often rally behind the mascot, creating a sense of belonging and pride in their alma mater. The mascot holds a significant place within the Alfred State College community. It represents the college's values, history, and aspirations. It serves as a rallying point for students, faculty, and alumni, inspiring them to strive for greatness and embody the qualities that The Pioneer represents. The mascot is a symbol of unity and pride, showcasing the college's dedication to providing a transformational educational experience for all who pass through its doors. In conclusion, Alfred State College's mascot, The Pioneer, is a symbol of the college's rich history, pioneering spirit, and commitment to excellence. As the embodiment of the college's values, The Pioneer serves as a source of inspiration, unity, and pride for the college community. Whether cheering on the athletic teams or representing the college at events, The Pioneer is an integral part of the Alfred State College experience..
Reviews for "The Alfred State Mascot: An Iconic Figure in School Spirit and Athletics"
1. Alex Smith - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with the Alfred State mascot. It just felt like a cheap and uncreative choice. The mascot, an eagle, was poorly designed and lacked any sort of personality or charm. It didn't even resemble an eagle, to be honest. I was expecting something more unique and memorable. Overall, I felt let down by the choice of mascot, and it definitely didn't enhance my experience at Alfred State.
2. Sarah Johnson - 2/5 - The Alfred State mascot was quite underwhelming. It was a simple bear, and honestly, it felt like I've seen that mascot at every other college. There was nothing distinctive about it that would make it stand out or represent the spirit of Alfred State. I was envisioning a mascot that could embody the college's values and ignite pride among students, but unfortunately, this bear just didn't do that for me. I think it's time for Alfred State to reconsider their mascot choice and come up with something more original and engaging.
3. Mark Thompson - 2/5 - As a sports fan, I look forward to seeing a mascot that can energize the crowd and create a lively atmosphere. Unfortunately, the Alfred State mascot fell short in that regard. It seemed outdated and didn't have that wow factor. It's essential to have a mascot that can excite and engage the audience, but this one failed to do just that. I think the college should consider revamping their mascot to something more dynamic and captivating.
4. Jessica Adams - 1/5 - The Alfred State mascot was quite forgettable. I honestly had to ask someone what it even was because it was so unrecognizable. A mascot is supposed to embody the spirit of the college and create a sense of unity and pride among students and fans. This mascot failed to do that. It lacked creativity and didn't evoke any emotions or excitement. Overall, I was left unimpressed and felt like the mascot was a missed opportunity for Alfred State.