Old Dominion University (ODU) has adopted a new mascot, Big Blue, as its official symbol since 1971. The lion-like character, originally described as a seedy-looking lion by the 1972 Troubadour, has been immortalized in a life-sized bronze sculpture by Richard Stravitz. Big Blue, an anthropomorphic lion, is known for performing at ODU athletic events and has been a symbol of the university’s rich history and strong future.
The mascot was first introduced in 1971 as a “roaring, crowned lion” replacing the crown and mace as the symbol of the Monarchs. The Old Dominion Monarchs football program represents the university in U.S. college football. The first iteration of the team was known as the William team in 1930.
A 7-foot-tall bronze statue of Big Blue was unveiled at a packed celebration in Webb Center. The statue, created by Richard Stravitz, is part of the university’s spirit squad, which includes the MONARCH SPIRIT SQUADS. Harry Lozon, a former student and class of 1970, was selected from a committee of faculty and alumni to wear the costume.
The exposure that Big Blue and ODU received has been significant, with the school’s current family of athletic logos being adopted in April 2002. The ODU Spirit Squad Handbook 2023-2024 Mascot Tryout Application and related stories provide further insight into the relationship between Big Blue and ODU.
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What is the ODU mascot?
Big Blue is the official mascot for Old Dominion Monarchs, an anthropomorphic lion who performs at athletic events, fundraisers, and commencement ceremonies. The nickname was adopted before ODU’s split from the College of William and Mary system in 1961. In 1971, Big Blue was officially crowned as their mascot to represent pride and courage for the expanding athletic program. A more friendly appearance was introduced in the 1980s, wearing a basketball or football jersey with the number ’00’ and a blue crown. In 2011, Big Blue won Capital One National Mascot of the Year, awarding $20, 000 to Old Dominion’s mascot program.
What does ODU stand for?
Old Dominion University (ODU) provides an excellent environment for research, offers a range of highly sought-after majors, and provides students with valuable real-world experience. ODUGlobal provides students with the tools to successfully integrate their education into their already demanding schedules. Its comprehensive support system, comprising organizations, events, and faculty, ensures that students are well-positioned to excel in their future careers.
What is the Queen’s mascot?
The Gaels, a football team, traditionally had a live bear mascot, Boo Hoo, who cheered them on to victory. The original bear was a real bear cub purchased in 1922 by students at Queen’s University. The 1920s saw the team win three Grey Cups in a row, and students wanted to project the team’s strength and ferocity. An informal student club bought a bear cub in northern Ontario and brought it to games, walking it up and down the sidelines while the audience cheered.
The bear became the team’s mascot, and Kingston-based composer Oscar F. Telgmann composed a march in honor of the bear. After the first bear died, students found another bear, dubbed Queen Boo Hoo, and the name Boo Hoo stuck to its replacements.
Why are they called monarchs?
The monarch butterfly, a majestic insect, is not just a color but also a place in southern France. Legend suggests that early European settlers in North America bequeathed the name “Monarch” to Prince William of Orange, later King William III. The monarch caterpillar, which is a pinhead-sized egg, begins its journey as an instar on a milkweed plant, eating its own egg case for two weeks before going through five instar stages. Each stage is marked by the shedding of its exoskeleton skin, which it often eats. Monarchs are the ultimate recyclers, and their metamorphosis is magical.
The monarch caterpillar transforms into a “chrysalis” about 10 hours before shedding its skin for the fifth and final time. It spins out a wad of silk to suspend, and then wriggles to shed its exoskeleton, revealing the chrysalis underneath. The butterfly hardens and develops within the protective case for the next week or two. The black and orange colors develop just before emergence, visible through the transparent skin of the chrysalis. This transformation is a testament to the monarch butterfly’s remarkable abilities and the beauty of its natural habitat.
What is monarch used for?
Monarch is a desktop-based self-service data preparation solution that connects to various data sources, including structured and unstructured data, cloud-based data, and big data. It requires no coding for data connection, cleansing, and manipulation. Monarch can convert data formats into rows and columns for data analytics, with over 80 pre-built functions. With 30 years of experience, Monarch enables more people to access, transform, and utilize data for better decision-making. Its goal is to turn difficult data into smart data, leading to actionable insights for complex business problems.
What is the mascot of the monarchs?
Monty, the official mascot of the Kansas City Monarchs, is a baseball enthusiast who was born in Kansas City, Kansas in 2021. Despite his assertion to the contrary, he was, in fact, born in Kansas City, Kansas. He is a loquacious individual who displays a keen interest in discussing his preferred ice cream flavor, Baskin Robbins Baseball Nut.
Why is ODU called Monarchs?
The Old Dominion Monarchs, a nickname for the university, has been a topic of debate among some. Some argue that the nickname is derived from King Charles II of England, who was nicknamed “the Merry Monarch” for his loyalty during the English Civil War. However, the origin of this nickname is not definitive, but it is believed to have originated from William III and Mary II, who patronized the College of William and Mary in 1693.
Charles II was also known as the “Merry Monarch” due to his party-boy reputation and his popularity among the “cavaliers”. He was known for his debonair nature, easy access, and not bloody or cruel. The nickname “Old Dominion” is a reference to Virginia’s status as the fifth realm of the Crown, which included Scotland, Ireland, and France.
In conclusion, the Old Dominion Monarchs are a unique and iconic name for the university, with its origins tracing back to King Charles II of England. While the nickname may be derived from Charles II, it is likely that it was also derived from William III and Mary II, who helped establish the College of William and Mary in 1693.
Is a monarch a lion?
The first graduating class of 1953 chose the Monarch as the school’s official mascot, symbolizing light, courage, bravery, agility, and dignity. Over time, the tradition has evolved to include a male lion named “Monty” and a female lion named “Molly”. The Monarch symbolizes Honor, Glory, Love, strength of character, determination of faith, and servant leadership. The Lion of Judah, also known as the “King of the beasts”, symbolizes the line of David, descended from the tribe of Judah. Jesus, the lion, retreats before temptation, suffering, sin, or death. The lioness represents the Great Mother Mary, Mater Dei, our Protector and Patroness.
What is Monarch plus ODU?
Monarch Plus is a pre-paid debit account accessible through your University ID card, allowing you to make purchases at participating locations without any fees. The account accepts cash, checks, MasterCard, and Visa. Old Dominion University is dedicated to discovery and new adventures, offering various resources such as admissions, academics, campus life, university libraries, directory, and myODU Portal. With Big Blue and a lion’s heart, no obstacle is too big, and you’ll find your way through the university. Start your journey at Monarch Plus and explore the university’s offerings.
What is the royal mascot?
Sluggerrr, the Kansas City Royals’ mascot, is a lion that has achieved a high level of popularity among baseball fans at Kauffman Stadium and beyond. Sluggerrr is one of the most popular mascots in Major League Baseball, making hundreds of special appearances annually and garnering immense fan support.
How prestigious is ODU?
Old Dominion University has been ranked as a top institution among 1, 500 national colleges and universities for the seventh consecutive year in the 2025 U. S. News and World Report rankings. The university also ranked as a leader in social mobility. The university has made significant progress in two key programs: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. These programs, part of Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, offer clinical learning, expand health research opportunities, and create a talent pipeline for the Hampton Roads healthcare workforce.
📹 Charles the Monarch honored at ODU game
Charles the Monarch was recognized at halftime of the ODU women’s basketball game for the national attention he brought to the …
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