TIGERVILLE, S.C. (courtesy ngu.edu) — The oldest college in the foothills of Greenville County is honoring its historic roots while pointing to the future with the announcement of a new athletics mascot.
North Greenville University revealed the mascot – Trailblazers – to a packed campus dining hall during a late-night student breakfast April 29. The event, designed to offer a festive atmosphere for the start of final examination week, included the surprise announcement, as well as a video introduction of the mascot graphics.
Depicted by a red fox, the mascot change will be effective June 15. The name was selected as a nod to the foothills heritage of the institution, while acknowledging the university’s mission of equipping graduates to be “transformational leaders for church and society.” Tigerville, the site of the traditional campus, is near the historic Tugaloo Trail and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
“Our university was founded by trailblazers who wanted to create educational opportunities for local youth. For 132 years, we have sought to serve students as they journey toward fulfilling God’s calling for their lives,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Many of our graduates have gone on to blaze paths of excellence in ministry, education, business, the arts, and other fields. As the Trailblazers, we are both embracing our history and pointing to tomorrow. This distinctive mascot is historical, contemporary, and aspirational for our athletic teams, and the entire NGU community.”
The announcement of the new mascot is the culmination of a process that spanned several years. A task force led by athletics and comprised of members from across campus, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, NGU board and administration assessed the institution’s current and former mascots, and a unanimous recommendation was made to engage a consultant to assist with the identification and development of a new mascot.
Read more on the North Greenville University website.
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