Alfred State embraces the ox as a mascot
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALFRED – I was in Allegany County on Tuesday and imagine my delight to see an ox statue leading into Alfred State College.
The college in 2018 announced it picked an ox as the official school mascot to help promote the athletic program and build school pride.
“Big Blue” is very popular at Alfred with the ox on college apparel and all kinds of merchandise.
I’m on the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee. I think celebrating the ox during our 200th anniversary next year not only pays tribute to the pioneer settlers who had to tame a rough terrain, but also gives us a symbol of strength to rally around.
An ox statue was painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward during the Orleans County Fair last month. We’d like to do more for the bicentennial and need to work out a plan for getting them paid for, the different themes on the oxen and where to place them around the county.
Alfred has “Pioneers” for a nickname. Previously the college used human depictions such as “Pioneer Pete” or “Orvis the Pioneer.”
A committee at Alfred in 2018 determined that an animal mascot is more inclusive and inviting. The goal is to provide athletes, students, alumni, and fans with a loveable animal mascot, the college stated in 2018 when the ox was introduced.
“Pioneers both from history and today are known for forging ahead, leading others, and mastering skills to succeed,” former Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan said in 2018 when the ox was introduced as the new mascot. “The Pioneers nickname is perfect for our college. When we asked our students, they overwhelmingly recognized the importance of an ox for helping the pioneers. We will once again rely on input from our students this fall as we vote on a name for this friend of the pioneers.”
Photo from Alfred State: The college picked “Big Blue” for the name and the mascot appears at many athletic events and campus celebrations.
In announcing the ox for a mascot, Alfred State officials said the ox is a team player for getting work done. “As strong as an ox” is an expression that has endured for centuries because of the solid and hard-working attitude of the animal, Alfred State said in announcing the new mascot.
“The mascot choice is also appropriate for a college that started as an agricultural school in 1908 and has grown to offer more than 70 majors,” according to the press release in July 2018, announcing the ox as the official mascot.
