New Mascot

[vu72]

So I was watching the Valpo-Drake volleyball game (which we won in 5!!!!!!) and listened to their very good announcer call us the "brown and gold" while, at least once, called us the "Cru.." before catching himself.

It hit me that I kinda like the "Brown and Gold" versus the "Golden Knights", now my second choice.

So why not "the Brown and Gold"?  For those of us who have attended the donor's breakfast at Homecoming, it is thrilling to hear 500 rise to their feet and sing the Alma Mater whose first verse begins..."Hail to the Brown and Gold"...

Perfect.

[bbtds]

So I was watching the Valpo-Drake volleyball game (which we won in 5!!!!!!) and listened to their very good announcer call us the "brown and gold" while, at least once, called us the "Cru.." before catching himself.

It hit me that I kinda like the "Brown and Gold" versus the "Golden Knights", now my second choice.

So why not "the Brown and Gold"?  For those of us who have attended the donor's breakfast at Homecoming, it is thrilling to hear 500 raise to their feet and sing the Alma Mater whose first verse begins..."Hail to the Brown and Gold"...

Perfect.

I can comment that at least 2 times during the broadcast of the volleyball match with Drake the same announcer said "Crusaders" without him noticing or at least not verbally commenting on his gaffes. I can't seem to help but notice these mistakes announcers make.

[valpo95]

One that I don't think has been mentioned yet is Valparaiso Vanguard.

It is unique and alliterative, and I like the thought of Valpo being at the forefront or leading - the vanguard of a new direction, the vanguard of science, etc. There is a military history (referring to the troops out front), yet this would be a benefit because of the prior mascots. It also allows retaining the shield logo.

The downsides (as I see it) are ties to a large brokerage firm, and there is a small NAIA school in California (Vanguard University) - their mascot is the Lions.

[vuny98]

For the record, as an attorney, I can tell you that the trademark issues aren't as much of an obstacle as you may think. It's almost impossible to prevent others from using generic phrases, even something like the Golden Knights. The key issue with trademark infringement is consumer confusion. The University could simply argue no one confuse a small Midwestern school with a professional hockey team and likely win. However, the fact that the logos both include a "V" could murky waters, but as long as we don't change to a black and dark gold color scheme, should be fine. With that being said, I personally don't like the Golden Knights (if we went Knights, I would like it better if we drop golden). And, kernels is pretty lame. I don't have a lot of great choices, but here are some options: Valpo Voyagers? – Similar theme as Crusader but is not as offensive and tampers down the religious angle Valpo Trailblazers? – Not a lot of teams go by this except for Portland and a couple colleges/high schools. Ties into the dunes while also having a symbolic meaning Valpo Storm or Golden Storm? – I don't really like meteorology-based names. But this could work. Kind of like St. John's and is somewhat unique (relatively speaking) Valpo Lakers – someone brought up connecting to the Great Lakes. I think this could be a cool name. Grand Valley State is the Lakers, but not a whole lot of other teams. Again, have to figure out trademark stuff, but I think this likely would be fine because there is no chance of confusion.

Ah yes, I can see the confusion now, where someone means to call us the Golden Storm, but we get called the Golden Shower instead .  Now that would be offensive.

Better than Brown storm

[VALPO LI]

Perhaps a unique and fresh approach to giving Valpo a new nickname is to have it represent what this institution actually stands for, its beliefs and core values.  A name that unifies race, ethnicity and religion without offending anyone.  Now Brown and Gold are definitely unique colors, but no hue can by itself describe a group of people that band together and stand in solidarity like "Valpo United"!!!

[IndyValpo]

Perhaps a unique and fresh approach to giving Valpo a new nickname is to have it represent what this institution actually stands for, its beliefs and core values.  A name that unifies race, ethnicity and religion without offending anyone.  Now Brown and Gold are definitely unique colors, but no hue can by itself describe a group of people that band together and stand in solidarity like "Valpo United"!!!

That name to me means soccer. Man United, DC United, etc

[johnu1]

If you do any research on the K.K.K. you will learn that the "Knights of the Golden Circle" is a close cousin and is often the same thing.

"Kernels" is a local usage. If you have to explain to people that popcorn was not really invented in Valpo, you tend to lose your conversation base. Selling the school globally isn't quite the same thing as a statue of old Orville that most people in Valpo don't even like.

To that end, the person who donates the most money to the university is going to have a lot of say in this.

You will end up with something like "Express" or "SkyBirds" or some such squished-together name. I vote for SwampDucks (one word, 2 capitals).

[valpotx]

For the record, as an attorney, I can tell you that the trademark issues aren't as much of an obstacle as you may think. It's almost impossible to prevent others from using generic phrases, even something like the Golden Knights. The key issue with trademark infringement is consumer confusion. The University could simply argue no one confuse a small Midwestern school with a professional hockey team and likely win. However, the fact that the logos both include a "V" could murky waters, but as long as we don't change to a black and dark gold color scheme, should be fine. With that being said, I personally don't like the Golden Knights (if we went Knights, I would like it better if we drop golden). And, kernels is pretty lame. I don't have a lot of great choices, but here are some options: Valpo Voyagers? – Similar theme as Crusader but is not as offensive and tampers down the religious angle Valpo Trailblazers? – Not a lot of teams go by this except for Portland and a couple colleges/high schools. Ties into the dunes while also having a symbolic meaning Valpo Storm or Golden Storm? – I don't really like meteorology-based names. But this could work. Kind of like St. John's and is somewhat unique (relatively speaking) Valpo Lakers – someone brought up connecting to the Great Lakes. I think this could be a cool name. Grand Valley State is the Lakers, but not a whole lot of other teams. Again, have to figure out trademark stuff, but I think this likely would be fine because there is no chance of confusion.

Ah yes, I can see the confusion now, where someone means to call us the Golden Storm, but we get called the Golden Shower instead .  Now that would be offensive.

Better than Brown storm

Haha.  Here comes your Brown & Gold Storm!  Opposing fans: "uh.....we need to get out of here"

[bbtds]

Selling the school globally isn't quite the same thing as a statue of old Orville that most people in Valpo don't even like.

Maybe if you knew the time and effort put in by "old Orville" and his partner, Mr. Bowman, into finding the perfect hybrid seed for popcorn you wouldn't feel that way about Mr. Redenbacher's statue. And I disagree that the majority of people in Valpo dislike it.

[wh]

The Orville Redenbacher story and his connection to Valparaiso in <3 minutes (including his statue)
Note: After clicking on the video, you may have to also click on "Watch this video on YouTube" to open it.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=HhmUmtmdeUQ&feature=share

[valpopal]

I have seen dozens of suggestions for the new mascot, but I believe you can immediately eliminate 90% of them. You are likely wasting your time on any option that does not have at least a tangential connection to the Valparaiso University shield with flame inside the "V" logo plastered all over everything on campus, on the website, and in promotions, including the backdrop of coaches' interviews each week and midfield at the football stadium. It would be foolhardy plus cost even more to adopt a mascot that does not connect to the most prominent image and only authorized symbol now associated with the university.


"The Valparaiso University signatures are the visual identity of the University and represent our beliefs, key messages, and values":

https://www.valpo.edu/brand/shield/

https://www.valpo.edu/brand/our-logos/

https://www.valpo.edu/brand/brand-style-guides/

[JD24]

For the record, as an attorney, I can tell you that the trademark issues aren't as much of an obstacle as you may think. It's almost impossible to prevent others from using generic phrases, even something like the Golden Knights. The key issue with trademark infringement is consumer confusion. The University could simply argue no one confuse a small Midwestern school with a professional hockey team and likely win. However, the fact that the logos both include a "V" could murky waters, but as long as we don't change to a black and dark gold color scheme, should be fine. With that being said, I personally don't like the Golden Knights (if we went Knights, I would like it better if we drop golden). And, kernels is pretty lame. I don't have a lot of great choices, but here are some options: Valpo Voyagers? – Similar theme as Crusader but is not as offensive and tampers down the religious angle Valpo Trailblazers? – Not a lot of teams go by this except for Portland and a couple colleges/high schools. Ties into the dunes while also having a symbolic meaning Valpo Storm or Golden Storm? – I don't really like meteorology-based names. But this could work. Kind of like St. John's and is somewhat unique (relatively speaking) Valpo Lakers – someone brought up connecting to the Great Lakes. I think this could be a cool name. Grand Valley State is the Lakers, but not a whole lot of other teams. Again, have to figure out trademark stuff, but I think this likely would be fine because there is no chance of confusion.

Ah yes, I can see the confusion now, where someone means to call us the Golden Storm, but we get called the Golden Shower instead .  Now that would be offensive.

Better than Brown storm

Haha.  Here comes your Brown & Gold Storm!  Opposing fans: "uh.....we need to get out of here"

Oh to be the PA announcer welcoming "YOUR BROWN AND GOLD STORM!!!!!" to the court/field prior to every game/match.

[vuny98]

I have seen dozens of suggestions for the new mascot, but I believe you can immediately eliminate 90% of them. You are likely wasting your time on any option that does not have at least a tangential connection to the Valparaiso University shield with flame inside the "V" logo plastered all over everything on campus, on the website, and in promotions, including the backdrop of coaches' interviews each week and midfield at the football stadium. It would be foolhardy plus cost even more to adopt a mascot that does not connect to the most prominent image and only authorized symbol now associated with the university. "The Valparaiso University signatures are the visual identity of the University and represent our beliefs, key messages, and values": https://www.valpo.edu/brand/shield/ https://www.valpo.edu/brand/our-logos/

I tend to agree. I think it make logical sense, both from a continuity and cost standpoint. I think some of the more "Generic" names could still fit with the Shield as our brand image, while some may tie into it more specifically.
Below are ones I think could extend well:
Golden Knights/Knights   
Gold     
Bold (Brown and Gold)     
Shield     
Victory 
Paladins       
Lancers     
Vanguard
Brown and Gold
United   

[bbtds]

Oh to be the PA announcer welcoming "YOUR BROWN AND GOLD STORM!!!!!" to the court/field prior to every game/match.

That reminds me of the youtube where the guy was locked into a functional port-a-potty and then they bungee chorded him all over the place above the ground like a bungee jumper with the guy still in the port-a-potty. Then they bring him to the ground and out jumps........................................................well, you know.................................................ready to kill the guy who locked him in.

(At least I didn't show any pics)

[wh]

I have seen dozens of suggestions for the new mascot, but I believe you can immediately eliminate 90% of them. You are likely wasting your time on any option that does not have at least a tangential connection to the Valparaiso University shield with flame inside the "V" logo plastered all over everything on campus, on the website, and in promotions, including the backdrop of coaches' interviews each week and midfield at the football stadium. It would be foolhardy plus cost even more to adopt a mascot that does not connect to the most prominent image and only authorized symbol now associated with the university.


"The Valparaiso University signatures are the visual identity of the University and represent our beliefs, key messages, and values":

https://www.valpo.edu/brand/shield/

https://www.valpo.edu/brand/our-logos/

https://www.valpo.edu/brand/brand-style-guides/

I agree with you that you can eliminate 90% of the suggestions on the list, but for a completely different reason than cost. Getting rid of the Crusader is only step-1 for the SJW's driving this change. Now they need to finish the job by replacing it with a name that no one can possibly find offensive. They will either want to pick the name, or more likely, have final authority over which name(s) are presented to the Administration and Board for final approval. For example, PETA has taken an official position against mascots with animal names, real or imaginary. They say it is exploitative. To our resident SJW's selecting an animal name wouuld risk putting out 1 fire and starting another. So forget the animal names - that won't happen. While we're at it cross off anything that represents war or aggression, so forget knights and all related name variations. Moreover, the current shield will be perceived as having an undeniable tie to the Crusader. The obvious claim will be that retaining it runs the risk of continuing to offend people like the good Muslim professor who won't be able to mentally separate it from the crusader.  Anything with a geological tie could be affected by climate change, thus potentially having a short shelf life of 10 years max. That eliminates moraine, dunes, lakers, etc. They might support Brown and Gold, but it's far from a slam dunk. Gold is far more than a color. Socialists and Marxists associate gold with wealth, power, capitalism, elitism, privelege, etc.

So what will the SJW's find acceptable? I read somewhere that the least objectionable names to people of this ilk are abstract terms that have no connection to anything. Case in point - the Miami "Heat." Cost, convenience, and simplicity are of no importance to SJW's. They think at a much higher level than you and me. This is about remediating Valparaiso University's offensive, insensitive, unwelcoming standing and reputation. They only have 1 chance to get it right. It's far too important to risk doing it on the cheap.

[bbtds]

For example, PETA has taken an official position against mascots with animal names, real or imagined.

Oh damn! I was really hoping we could go with Etwetritschen because it was mythical   

[justducky]

I am a simple guy and this should be a simple matter.   

I read somewhere that the least objectionable names to people of this ilk are abstract terms that have no connection to anything. Case in point - the Miami "Heat."

In honor of Brian Wardle why not call us the "Ice"?

[valpopal]

President Padilla has named a 10-person committee to recommend to him up to four mascot/nickname suggestions from which he will choose the selection. Representing athletes and the athletics department on the committee: Eron Gordon and Mark LaBarbera. The alumni representative is a vocal member of the anti-Crusader group. "The recommendations must represent the values, spirit and character of Valparaiso University."


If you would like to submit a suggestion for the Mascot Committee to consider, please submit it on the form at the following campus link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2VPtc6v2QCV6HPYLexT_6xY6_nc90b9nGbCzuO-7fcPCmnw/viewform
or email it to ideasforvalpo@valpo.edu.

[justducky]

"The recommendations must represent the values, spirit and character of Valparaiso University.

This is a tall order! Even money that none of these final 4 recommendations can achieve this stated goal while our old nickname kind of did.

[covufan]

I think the media should start giving the Valpo teams a nickname - kickstart the process. "And here are the Golden Browners". Or some other name that the administration might not care for. Bold DunesRats.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vu84v2]

If we became the Golden Browners, our mascot could be a big tator tot.

[hailcrusaders]

Very tempted to suggest "Crusaders". But also wouldn't mind going by "Knights" and bringing the old logo/mascot back.

[humbleopinion]

In case any of you didn't receive the mascot committee announcement from the new president:

https://alumni.valpo.edu/controls/email_marketing/view_in_browser.aspx?sid=1347&gid=1&sendId=2239121&ecatid=4&puid=a972ee0f-58d6-44c0-bdea-e14bec42a2ce

[tjjvalpo]

Did anyone else get an email from the new President? Frankly, I am deeply offended by what he said:

"The Committee will send me recommendations that reflect the values, spirit and character of Valparaiso University, and I WILL SELECT the University's new mascot or nickname from among the recommendations."

Who is this guy? The Committee should send him one recommendation. How can he have the final decision on what the nickname should be?

[NativeCheesehead]

Actually I appreciate Padilla taking ownership of the choice. We know who to be angry at if we hate it. Much easier than the obscure process by which the Crusader was canned.