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University Archives - Guide to 51���� Nicknames and Mascots

For more information please contact the University Archivist.

51���� has had a variety of nicknames and associated mascots over the years.  The nicknames and mascots are representative of the era from which they were created and should be viewed within the context of that period. The University Archives holds and preserves documents, artifacts and media in its collection that may depict perspectives and actions that may not be in keeping with contemporary 51���� values.  There are many records documenting nicknames and mascots throughout the University Archives.

 

List of 51���� Nicknames: A chronological, descriptive list of nicknames used by 51����.   

Primary Sources Related to Nicknames/Mascots at 51����

Following are the major sources related to nicknames and mascots:

• The contain photographic prints as well as assorted newspaper clippings and print materials documenting the mascot issue and reporting on its history. Following are specific files that are likely to be of interest:
  • 00130a (Bleuteaux)
  • 00310 (Cheerleaders)
  • 00316 (Chief White Buck)
  • 00621aa (Golden Eagles)
  • 00985 (Nickname/Mascot; multiple folders divided chronologically)
  • 01380 (Willie Wampum)
  • 01385 (First Warrior)
  • and 01387 (Warriors).
• Student government leaders played an important role in the establishment and retirement of nicknames and mascots at 51���� throughout the years. are maintained as a series. Researchers will want to consult files related to the:
  • Mascot Committee, Warrior Head Committee, Willie Wampum, and specific resolutions and legislation from years under consideration.
• The and have played a role in the approval of nicknames and the selection of alternatives. Athletic Board minutes and other subject files include documentation of the board's involvement. A restricted series within the Department of Athletics Administration includes correspondence and suggestions for alternate nicknames proposed in 1993-1994 (the archives staff can help make a request on your behalf for access to these restricted records, though permission may not be granted).
• In 2005, the university considered its nickname and mascot in response to an offer from a member of the Board of Trustees to donate a considerable sum in exchange for a reversion to the nickname, “Warriors.” Archives staff collected material documenting the community conversation and website developed to solicit feedback in its .
• The student newspaper, The 51���� Tribune, covered the ongoing conversation about mascots and nicknames. The publication ; a rough index to headlines through the mid-1970s is available upon request. Print copies of the Tribune are available for consultation in the Archives Reading Room. 
• Presidential records of interest may be: 
  • Rev. Edward J. O'Donnell, S.J., was president of the university at the time Willie Wampum and the Warriors name were adopted.
  • Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J., was university president during many of the subsequent transitions. 
  • Executive Vice President Quentin Quade was involved in many high-level administrative decisions during Raynor's tenure.  Note that Quade's material is currently being processed.
• The University Archives maintains the physical outfit worn as the . Use of these items is restricted, but they may be viewed in the Archives Reading Room. 
• In 2011, Dr. John Krugler's Public History students created two oral histories during a classroom examination of the nickname and mascot issue. The created a with Mark Denning, who represented 51���� as the First Warrior, and an with Dr. James Scott, Vice President for Student Affairs from 1970-1992. 

Audiovisual Resources Related to Nicknames/Mascot at 51����

• Many images are digitized and part of . 
• (1915-1996) have been digitized and are available online. Ssearch for “First Warrior,” “Willie Wampum,” "Bleuteaux," etc. Keep in mind that the spelling of the mascot names changed through the years and you’ll want to use a variety of alternatives.
• The university's mirrors the Photographs and General Information Files described above, but is limited to images in color slide format. Relevant topics include "First Warrior," "Mascots," and "Bleuteaux."
• Additional images of the various mascots may be included in the cheerleading and basketball records and files.
• Brief performances by the mascots may have been captured during recording of and games.

Secondary Sources about Nicknames/Mascots and 51����

Published in 2007, this is the most recent book about 51����'s history, covering the first 100 years (1881-1981). 

John B. Rhode. Publication Date: 1994.  

A Commentary piece in the 51���� Sports Law Review provides information on the legal background and context for nickname and mascot name changes, and provides specific details related to 51���� and the University of Wisconsin Madison.  

 

Publication Date: 2012

Students in Dr. John's Krugler's Public History class generated this 4-panel exhivit on 51���� nicknames and mascots in 2012. 

 

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