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From 1829-1955 Institute
athletic teams referred to themselves as "The
Techmen" and "The Blue Grey."
In 1955 the Institute's basketball team was
undefeated. Harry Watts, head of the Rochester
Institute of Technology News Bureau, wanted
to find a name that would best personify not
only the basketball team, but R.I.T. Sports
as a whole. After meeting with several R.I.T.
Lettermen, he decided to use the nickname
"tigers" in his news releases. |
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The R.I.T. Tiger Committee was formed in 1963.
It's purpose was to "maintain the mascot of
the Institute; manage the use and display of said
mascot; and secure and distribute the needed funds
for this management." A two month old Bengal
Tiger was purchased in 1963 for the sum of $1000.
The Tiger Committee sold shares issued for $1.00
each to students, faculty, and staff in order to
pay for the animal.
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Spirit arrived as a two month old
Bengal Tiger from a zoo in Dallas, Texas. He was flown
in to Rochester and given the nickname "Flying
Tiger." A student later came up with the name Spirit. Spirit lived at the Senaca Park Zoo, and was a feature at many R.I.T. athletic events until he became
a bit too big and difficult to manage in public. |
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At
fourteen months of age it was discovered by x-rays taken at
Cornell University that Spirit was suffering from pelvic and
leg joint problems. He was "put to sleep" on September
28, 1964.
A new
tiger was purchased by the Seneca Park Zoo and named Spirit
II in honor of the first school mascot. R.I.T. contributed some
funds toward the tiger's purchase.
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A student commissioned
Bengal tiger statue was dedicated on November 10, 1989.
The eight foot, bronze
Bengal tiger statue is located adjacent to Campus Connections
bookstore. The student commissioned sculpture serves as a symbol
of student pride and achievement at the Institute.
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The tiger's sculptor, Duff Wehle stated at the
dedication ceremony; "Through joint efforts of
these people - foundry craftsmen and color artists
- we have provided a bronze statue of R.I.T.'s mascot.
Now it is up to all of you here at R.I.T. to breathe
life into it." |
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