The University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, has a unique and memorable mascot that represents the school's identity and spirit. Known as "T.C.," the Panther mascot has been a beloved symbol of UNI since its introduction in the 1930s. T.C.
Here is a taste of how the man prays: “It is my fault. And I confess it. Oh my God, I am foul. I am infected with the filth of pride. I am, I know it. Dispose of me how Thy wilt, yet redeem my children. … I beg Thee, save my children. I beg Thee, my Christ, why hast Thou damned my family?”
And with lead actress Anya Taylor-Joy taking a win at the 2021 Golden Globes for her performance in Netflix s The Queen s Gambit , revisiting her breakout role has never seemed more timely. Thomasin, for her part, is a mostly kind, hard-working teen who seeks to serve her family both her parents and her younger siblings despite accusations being hurled against her from both directions.
C. the Panther serves as an energetic and spirited figure at athletic events, campus gatherings, and community outreach programs. The choice of the Panther as the university's mascot reflects strength, agility, and determination, qualities that UNI students and athletes embody.
“THE WITCH”
THE STORY – In 1630 New England, panic and despair envelops a farmer (Ralph Ineson), his wife (Kate Dickie) and four of their children when youngest son Samuel suddenly vanishes. The family blames Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), the oldest daughter who was watching the boy at the time of his disappearance. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, twin siblings Mercy (Ellie Grainger) and Jonas (Lucas Dawson) suspect Thomasin of witchcraft, testing the clan’s faith, loyalty and love to one another.
THE CAST – Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger & Lucas Dawson
THE TEAM – Robert Eggers (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 93 Minutes
Even now, as I write this, I’m still shaking. And trust me, you won’t be able to shake off the horror that is writer/director Robert Egger’s terrifying debut, “The Witch.” It’s easily the most disturbing yet artful film to come along in quite some time. The experience will render your blood cold and your mouth speechless. It’s the first great film of 2016 and a true breakout for the film’s director and star.
It’s the 17th century in New England, and a Puritan family has been outcast from their village due to their strong religious beliefs, which come into conflict with those of the village. The family’s patriarch, William (Ralph Ineson), has raised his family of 5 children to hold firm in the belief of God and his teachings through their savior Jesus Christ. His wife Katherine is aided in this firm upbringing (Played by the always deeply disturbed Kate Dickie). However, after their infant son Samuel mysteriously vanishes into the woods without a trace, they begin to suspect the devil’s work may be getting done in the form of witchcraft by their daughter Thomasin.
Eggers’ ensemble for this film is wholly committed to their roles, and all turn in truly unnerving performances. Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays Thomasin, is as much of a discovery as Robert Eggers and does a reasonably convincing job of taking us through the emotional journey her family suffers throughout the film. Kate Dickie is also maniacally troubled in her emotionally crazed role of a mother who can’t seem to find an answer in the faith provided by her husband for their family’s troubles. Though her role here may be compared to her work on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” it’s still a passionate performance that teeters the line in how far to push emotional distress before it becomes nearly comical.
This is not your typical horror movie filled with foolish moments, and cheap jump scares, which incites laughter from the audience (A pet peeve of mine when watching any horror film). Audiences will eagerly await with tension warping their bodies for the inevitable jump scare, which allows them to release that tension with laughter. However, under the guidance of Robert Eggers, that laugh never came. There was also a lack of jump scares, save for a moment or two here and there. This is a cold and bleak film. Its pace is perfectly calculated, allowing for the overwhelming sense of dread to wash over you slowly. The best kind of horror films leave you feeling disturbed, and that is what “The Witch” does supremely well. Some films want to achieve this goal with an overabundance of blood and gore moments. Robert Eggers instead goes the thought-provoking route with his screenplay. Here, he is punishing the practice of religious fanaticism inhabited by the Puritan family and tackling strong ideas of faith in one’s religion and their loved ones. Egger’s idea of what pure evil really is and what forms it can take (Get ready for the dark goat known as “Black Phillip”) is petrifying and stunningly captured by cinematographer Jarin Blaschke.
Many have said that this is the best modern-day horror film, as it harkens back to 1973’s “The Exorcist” in how it conveys its horror in a frighteningly realistic and grounded manner. However, the film’s final scene did leave me scratching my head at how tonally odd and misplaced the moment felt compared to the rest of the film. And for the sake of spoilers, I don’t want to go much further into it. Perhaps another viewing will clear this one tonal misstep for me. But I can tell you right now that I don’t want to watch “The Witch” again as of this moment. I’m simply not over the first viewing experience. And I mean that as a compliment.
THE FINAL SCORE
THE GOOD – Bone chilling in its mood and atmosphere. Eerily convincing performances from the adults as well as the children. Robert Eggers shows firm control over his cast, writing and shot selection in what amounts to one of the most unnerving horror films in years.
THE BAD – The archaic language and ambiguous ending will certainly irk some.
THE OSCAR S – None
THE FINAL SCORE – 9 /10
William and Catherine scuffle, and she hits him in the face. William drags Thomasin harshly outside. Thomasin falls painfully off a horse. William has a gun backfire in his face.
Panthers are known for their fierce nature and are often associated with power and leadership. As such, T.C. represents the university's commitment to excellence not only in athletics but also in academics and personal development. T.C.'s presence at various university events fosters a strong sense of school pride and unity among UNI students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Supporting the Panthers at sports games becomes more than just cheering for a team; it becomes a celebration of school spirit and camaraderie. T.C. not only energizes the crowd but also serves as a symbol of encouragement and resilience, reminding everyone to give their best efforts and never back down. In addition to sporting events, T.C. can be found engaging with the community outside the campus walls. The mascot frequently participates in parades, school visits, and charitable events, spreading joy and excitement wherever it goes. T.C.'s presence at such events helps to strengthen the bond between the university and its surrounding community, fostering a sense of partnership and support for one another. Over the years, the UNI Panther mascot has evolved to better connect with the students and contribute to the university's overall brand image. T.C.'s costume underwent updates and improvements to enhance its appearance and functionality. Today, T.C. stands as a recognizable figure that embodies school spirit and represents the values and traditions of the University of Northern Iowa. In conclusion, the University of Northern Iowa's mascot, T.C. the Panther, plays a crucial role in promoting school pride, unity, and community engagement. As a symbol of strength and determination, T.C. reflects the university's commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and personal growth. T.C.'s presence at events both on and off-campus contributes to the vibrant and connected UNI community..
Reviews for "The UNI Panther Mascot: Leaving a Lasting Impact on Alumni"
1. John - 2 stars: I was extremely disappointed with the University of Northern Iowa mascot. The costume looked cheap and poorly made. The big foam head barely resembled a real panther, and the overall design lacked creativity. It was also very difficult to see the mascot's expressions or engage with it during games. I feel like the university should invest in a better mascot that can truly represent the spirit and energy of the school.
2. Sarah - 1 star: I found the University of Northern Iowa mascot to be boring and uninspiring. The panther costume looked outdated and lacked any sense of personality. It felt like the mascot was just going through the motions, without any real excitement or engagement. The lack of creativity and enthusiasm from the mascot made me lose interest in attending games or supporting the university's sports teams. I think they need a mascot that can truly pump up the crowd and evoke school spirit.
3. Mark - 2 stars: The University of Northern Iowa mascot failed to stand out or make a lasting impression. The panther costume was forgettable, and it blended in with the crowd rather than commanding attention. The movements of the mascot were also quite stiff and mechanical, making it appear less dynamic and lively. I believe a more vibrant and energetic mascot would help create a stronger connection between the fans and the university's sports teams.
4. Emily - 3 stars: While the University of Northern Iowa mascot was not terrible, it lacked the wow factor I was expecting. The panther costume was average at best, and it seemed like there was nothing special about it. The mascot's interactions with the crowd were limited, and it failed to truly engage or excite the fans. With some improvements in the design and performance, the mascot could become a more memorable and enjoyable part of the university's sports events.
5. David - 2 stars: The University of Northern Iowa mascot was underwhelming. The panther costume didn't have much personality and failed to leave a lasting impression. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a strong brand image for the university. The lack of enthusiasm and energy from the mascot made it difficult to feel excited or proud of supporting the school's sports teams. I believe a more vibrant and captivating mascot could help enhance the overall experience of attending games at the university.