Crystal Luong
Assistant News Editor
Virtual insanity is on its way.
Last year there was Madness Reloaded, this fall Old School Madness and now, Mascot Madness.
Pepperdine, without a mascot for more than a year, has launched its official contest in search of a bigger and bolder icon to pump up game-day crowds and re-establish University tradition. The winner will receive a $500 gift certificate to a computer/electronics store.
Within the first four hours of the contest’s announcement Tuesday, three ideas already were submitted and many more are expected, according to Stu Hardman, director of University marketing.
“Through this contest, instead of hiring a company that specializes in mascot development but has no special affinity for Pepperdine, we turn to our own Pepperdine family members to start a new tradition,” Hardman said.
Students, alumni, faculty and staff are all eligible to submit original concepts.
All entries will be judged by a panel that will include Athletics Director John Watson, SGA President Carl Kasalek, senior administration members and other Pepperdine administration.
Three finalists will be selected, and University President Andrew K. Benton will choose the winner.
At the men’s basketball game against Gonzaga University on Feb. 10, the winning design will be announced.
Entrants are being asked to think outside the box and to stay consistent with Pepperdine’s spirit and heritage.
“We have no preconceived expectations other than we expect a wide range of creative ideas,” Hardman said.
The Pepperdine Mascot Madness contest is a first for the school. In the past, the university has been represented by a big, blue Willy the Wave, and King Neptune, the undersea royal.
Contest entries are due by Dec. 3 and can be submitted in person to the Office of University Marketing or online at http://arachnid.pepperdine.edu/mascotmadness/details.htm
11-11-2004