New Paltz Mascot The topic of New Paltz's mascot has been a source of debate and discussion among the university community. Over the years, the university has used different mascots to represent the school spirit and culture. However, many students and faculty members feel that it is time for a change and are calling for a new mascot to better represent the values and diversity of the New Paltz community. The current mascot, a hawk, has been the symbol of New Paltz for several years. While some argue that the hawk represents strength and resilience, others believe that it does not accurately reflect the inclusive nature of the university. They argue that a new mascot should be chosen to represent the university's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and progress.
Mascot Madness 2021: 10 Questions with Hugo the Hawk
Voting is now open for this annual tradition, as mascots from throughout the system compete for the title (and bragging rights). Hugo needs the entire New Paltz community to show support, so be sure to vote early and often!
As part of the tournament, every mascot sits for a quick interview to help voters get to know the competitors. Hugo’s 10 questions and answers are below, and you can click here to learn more about the other creatures in his bracket.
1. Who are you and where do you work?
My name is Hugo the Hawk and I work at SUNY New Paltz, located in New Paltz New York. We have the best views and the best students in the Hudson Valley.
2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
When I’m not helping students move in or out at the start and end of the year, or making my rounds at our socially distanced events, I can be found teaching any number of fitness classes at the Athletic and Wellness center. I love helping others feel welcome and stay active.
3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
All our indoor sports! Our teams work so hard to be the best they can be, and I hope our near future promises full bleachers and plenty of dogpiles.
4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
Soul on Disney Plus! Highly recommend it to everyone! I also spot some New Paltz blues in the Great Beyond ?
5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
Cauliflower buffalo wings are DELICIOUS!
6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
Always try to break the ice first, no one likes to sit in on an awkward zoom call. Connecting with people during these times is hard but take advantage of what you got!
7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
All of our competitors are strong, I’m looking forward to beating them all again ?
8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
President Christian always gives the best facts about animals! Did you know he has a degree in zoology? I’ve been settling for his Hot Chocolate with the President series, but hopefully we can go out to lunch soon.
9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
SUNY New Paltz has done a great job of providing students with opportunities to socialize while still being safe. Our socially distanced events are always appreciated, and if they don’t fit into your schedule, you can always count on an engaging virtual program!
10. Share your favorite joke.
What does one hawk say to another hawk after pursuing the same squirrel? “Well, this is hawkward!”
Office of Communication & Marketing
The Hawk has been the official mascot for the University since 1951, when the student body voted in favor of the hawk as a symbol of “the spirit of New Paltz courage, good will and good sportsmanship.” The first live mascot was “Gus,” a tame goshawk in the care of Dr. Heinz Meng of the Biology department, and first appeared as a painting by Dr. Meng on the side of the University bus in 1954. The goshawk is the largest in the family of Accipiters. It is a short-winged (rounded tip), long-tailed hawk – ferocious and maneuverable.
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the University’s athletic identity graphic standards, which will enable the Department of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation to present a consistent look and feel in all its materials. The athletics marks described in these standards, developed under the auspices of the Brand Marketing Task Force in 2009, are designed to identify our teams visually; to promote strength, character and energy; to make a strong statement for the University, Athletics, and Wellness and Recreation and to generate pride in our students’ co-curricular accomplishments.
The athletic and the recreational programs at the State University of New York at New Paltz provide students with the opportunity to develop their physical and leadership abilities while pursuing their academic goals and while helping to set New Paltz apart with an uncompromising focus on excellence in support of the campus’ mission and vision. These guidelines are representative of a department where students find opportunities to excel beyond the classroom and to serve as beacons for the University. We encourage all who wish to use our logo to respect and to adhere to the standards outlined in this manual.
When we use our graphic identity consistently throughout the University, we show that we are united as a team, each taking pride in the development and the successes of our students. As we move forward, we believe this look will serve us well as we distinguish New Paltz as “a highly selective public university—the site of the finest and most intellectually engaging undergraduate education in the State University of New York and a worthy rival to fine liberal arts colleges across the nation.” *
Hugo the Hawk
This April, students participated in a mascot naming competition as part of the Athletic department’s new logo identity, which included implementing a new rendition of the Hawk, the College mascot. In a landslide victory, Hugo – which was suggested by 12 students who saw the name’s historic connection to New Paltz – rose above all others.
The winning name is derived from Hugo Freer, who was one of the 12 original French Huguenots who founded New Paltz in 1677. The Freer house still stands just minutes from campus on one of the oldest streets in America, Huguenot Street. Others made the connection of the Huguenots for the name, which also evoked the spirit of New Paltz’s history.
To reward the students for their winning recommendation, their 12 names were drawn out of a hat during the seventh inning stretch at the home baseball game on April 8. The lucky winner, Kimberly Sheets (’12), was awarded an iPod Touch, courtesy of Campus Auxiliary Services. Coincidentally, it was her birthday, as well.
“It was really funny,” said Sheets. “I’m not exactly big on birthdays – I was like ‘I’m turning 20, woo-hoo,’ but this was really exciting. It lifted the spirit of my whole day.”
Sheets, who is a History Education major, said she came up with the name while out for a run on Huguenot Street. “It just came to me and I figured I might as well submit it,” she said.
After receiving more than 300 entries, the names were narrowed down to the six most popular. Those names included Hank, Havoc, Hugo, Sky, Talli and Talon.
In 1951, the Hawk was chosen as the official College mascot by a vote of the students. The naming competition carries on a tradition that took flight more than half a century ago.
Hugo the Hawk will make select appearances at home athletic competitions and other campus spirit events throughout the year.
New Paltz mascot Hugo in SUNY Mascot Madness semis
New Paltz’s Hugo the Hawk is one of the final four mascots standing in SUNY’s Mascot Madness bracket challenge. Photo provided.
By Daily Freeman | [email protected] and Daily Freeman PUBLISHED: March 26, 2013 at 1:02 a.m. | UPDATED: July 22, 2021 at 1:14 a.m.NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — SUNY New Paltz mascot Hugo the Hawk has advanced to the semifinal round of the SUNY Mascot Madness competition after defeating Privateer Pete of SUNY Maritime in the quarterfinals. Hugo faces the only other NCAA Division III mascot remaining in the bracket, Rambo the Ram from Farmingdale. The fourth round of competition began Monday and continues through Thursday. Hugo, with the lowest seed of any of the mascots at No. 17, has had a Cinderella-like run in the competition. Hugo defeated Perseus the Panther from Purchase in the first round, then ousted top-seeded Blaze the Red Dragon from Cortland in the second round by 32 votes. Rambo the Ram is seeded 12th. The other side of the bracket features No. 3 Baxter the Bearcat from Binghamton University and No. 7 Wolfie the Seawolf from Stony Brook University. To cast a vote in any of the semifinal matchups, click
The contest started with a total of 30 mascots representing 472 collegiate teams and more than 220,000 athletes across the state. To view the entire tournament bracket, click
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They argue that a new mascot should be chosen to represent the university's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and progress. Several suggestions have been put forward for a new mascot. Some propose an animal that is native to the New Paltz region, such as a river otter or a black bear, as a way to pay homage to the local environment.
Others argue for a mythical creature, such as a phoenix, to symbolize the resilience and rebirth of the New Paltz community. There are also calls for a mascot that represents the diverse student body and the multicultural community of New Paltz. Some suggest a mascot that can embody the spirit of unity and acceptance, such as a chameleon or a dove. It is important to note that the decision to change the mascot is not an easy one. The mascot represents the traditions and identity of the university, and any change must be carefully considered. The university administration has formed a committee to explore the possibility of a new mascot and gather input from the community. In conclusion, the topic of a new New Paltz mascot is a subject of ongoing discussion and debate. The current hawk mascot is no longer considered representative of the university's values and diversity. Suggestions for a new mascot range from local animals to mythical creatures, with a focus on inclusivity and unity. The university has set up a committee to explore this matter and involve the community in the decision-making process..
Reviews for "How the New Paltz Mascot Boosts School Pride and Engagement"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with the new New Paltz mascot. It lacks creativity and fails to represent the spirit and culture of the university. I expected something more unique and captivating, but instead, we got a generic mascot that could be used for any other school. It feels like a missed opportunity to showcase the pride and identity of New Paltz. I hope they reconsider and come up with a more fitting mascot in the future.
2. John - 2 stars - The new New Paltz mascot is just underwhelming. It lacks personality and fails to leave a lasting impression. When I think of a mascot, I expect something that brings excitement and energy to the game, but this mascot falls flat. It's forgettable and doesn't add any value to the school's representation. I was truly hoping for something more memorable and engaging. Disappointed overall.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - The new New Paltz mascot is mediocre at best. It's neither catchy nor unique, making it easily forgettable. The design lacks creativity and seems rushed. It's hard to feel any sense of pride or connection to the mascot when it doesn't resonate with the university's values or traditions. I wish they had put more thought and effort into creating something that would truly embody the spirit of New Paltz. Hopefully, they will consider redesigning it in the future.
4. Michael - 1 star - I find the new New Paltz mascot to be incredibly boring and uninspiring. It doesn't capture the essence and excitement of the university community. The design is lackluster and feels like a missed opportunity to showcase the school's unique identity. I expected something more vibrant and engaging, but this mascot falls short on all fronts. It's definitely not a mascot that will leave a lasting impression or ignite school spirit. Very disappointing.