Post Classifieds
Name sought for BSC mascot
By Angel Baird
On May 4, 2012
Before the late 1960's, Buffalo State College was without a mascot, the colors black and orange the
only things representing the institution.
As the story goes, a student named Susan Salazar designed the first interpretation of the Buffalo
State Bengal we know today, and it has since been implemented all over campus.
When the Buffalo State community talks about its mascot, they refer to it simply as "the Bengal."
After nearly 44 years, it's been decided that in the interest of increasing the spirit we draw from the
symbol of the mascot, it should be given a proper first name.
When Katie Norris, a sophomore and member of the Buffalo State athletics booster club was asked
to name a few things the Bengal reminds her of, she said, "Frosted Flakes, sports, athletics, and team
spirit."
Aside from team spirit, Tim Walsh, associate vice president of college relations said, "(The Bengal)
is a connection to athletics and the institution. It's a tradition that happens to be affiliated with
athletics and the campus as a whole. It gives a feel-good approach to the college and the campus."
For the past year, the College Relations office has flirted with the idea of naming the Bengal tiger
mascot. After sending out a video holiday card to students and staff by e-mail, the Bengal was
responded to as a positive, light-hearted connection to Buffalo State. At events around the campus,
the Bengal was present, receiving numerous hugs and affection, after which people would inquire
about its name, and would learn that it had none, it was just "The Bengal".
This became the College Relations office's initial reasoning in creating a "contest" of sorts in
which students could submit a number of possible names for the Bengal, male or female, either on
Facebook or by email.
"Essentially, choosing the name is a three-part process," Walsh said. "First we put the word out, and
then we choose a name from the top five submissions. After that, we make a final decision. We have
received 40 to 50 names already."
Submissions range from names like Stripes or Benny, to names such as Rory and Biff.
Contrary to those submissions, when asked what the Bengal meant to him, freshman Anthony
Urena said, "I don't really care about it. It doesn't mean anything to me really."
To most, the Bengal tiger represents a feel-good image to what the college stands for.
A Facebook poll will be created once the top five names have been chosen where students and staff
can vote on their favorite submission. Following a decision by the College Relations office and a
committee, the Bengal's new name will be introduced at an event in Fall 2012.
Angel Baird can be reached by email at baird.record@live.com.
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