USF to Replace Don Mascot With Wolf, Retain Nickname Following Backlash

As students gathered on the University of San Francisco campus last Friday, a sense of change hung in the air. The vibrant chatter of anticipation soon turned into excited murmurs as President Salvador Aceves announced a significant shift in the university’s athletic identity: the beloved Don mascot, a staple for nearly 90 years, would be retired in favor of a new symbol — a wolf.

What Happened

The decision to retire the Don comes after years of reflection and discussions within the university community. The Don, a figure characterized by a green Spanish-style hat and a pencil mustache, has deep historical roots, tracing back to Don Francisco de Haro, the first mayor of Yerba Buena, now known as San Francisco. However, as society evolves, so too do the symbols we choose to represent our values.

In an official statement, President Aceves explained the rationale behind this change. “With new leadership at USF and in Dons Athletics, we believe the time is right to revitalize our image and embrace a new mascot, one that is known for its intelligence, endurance, and ability to work cooperatively in its pack,” he said. “At the same time, we will proudly remain the University of San Francisco Dons.” This duality reflects a desire to honor tradition while also adapting to contemporary sensibilities.

The change will take effect starting in the spring semester of 2027, allowing ample time for the university to transition to its new mascot. The wolf, a creature often celebrated for its social nature and teamwork, stands in stark contrast to the Don, whose associations have come under scrutiny.

Context of the Change

The decision to replace the Don with a wolf is rooted in a broader conversation about representation and the implications of historical symbols. In recent years, students have voiced concerns regarding the mascot's connection to the colonial history of California, particularly regarding its impact on Indigenous communities. The term 'Don' itself, while a Spanish honorific signifying nobility, has begun to evoke a sense of discomfort among students who feel it aligns too closely with a painful past.

In 2022, the university’s student government passed a resolution advocating for a new mascot, reflecting a growing desire for representation that resonates with all members of the community. This resolution garnered significant support, with over 400 students signing a petition urging the administration to implement a new mascot by the 2024-25 academic year. The collective voice of the student body played a crucial role in prompting this change.

Voices from the Community

The transition from the Don to a wolf mascot has sparked a variety of reactions from the university community. Many students, particularly those involved in advocacy and student government, view this change as a necessary step toward inclusivity. “It’s about time we move on from the Don,” stated sophomore Maria Gonzalez. “The wolf symbolizes strength and unity, which is what we need as a community.” Her sentiments echo a broader trend among younger students who are eager for symbols that reflect contemporary values and a more inclusive narrative.

Conversely, alumni and long-time supporters of the university have expressed nostalgia for the Don, viewing the change as a loss of a cherished tradition. “The Don has been a part of our identity for so long,” remarked alumnus James O’Connor, who graduated in 1995. “It’s hard to see it go, but I understand the need for change.” This sentiment highlights the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing progress, a tension that is often felt in communities undergoing similar transformations.

Community Engagement

As USF embarks on this transformative journey, community engagement will be vital in shaping the new mascot's design. The university has committed to involving students, alumni, and faculty in discussions about the specifics of the wolf costume, ensuring that the new symbol resonates with the values of the university community. Workshops and forums are expected to be held to gather input and foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders.

Already, the campus has begun to embrace wolf imagery, with bronze statues of “Los Lobos de Loyola” — a historical emblem associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order — prominently displayed in front of Gleeson Library. This integration of wolf imagery signals a shift towards a more inclusive representation of the university’s identity, as the wolf is often associated with loyalty, teamwork, and community, values that align with the Jesuit mission of the university.

Looking Ahead

As the university prepares for this transition, it is essential to recognize the significance of such changes in the broader context of societal evolution. The move to replace the Don with a wolf is not merely a cosmetic alteration; it represents a commitment to fostering an environment that values inclusivity and respects the diverse histories of all students. The wolf, as a symbol, can serve as a bridge to connect the university’s past with its future, embodying resilience and adaptability.

Going forward, the university will continue to engage with its community to finalize the design of the wolf mascot, ensuring that it embodies the spirit and values of the University of San Francisco. This process will likely involve workshops, forums, and creative input from students and faculty alike. The university aims to unveil the new mascot in a way that celebrates both the transition and the community's involvement in the process.

In the coming years, as USF embraces its new identity, the wolf will serve as a reminder of the university's commitment to teamwork, intelligence, and resilience — qualities that reflect the core values of the institution. This change marks not just a new chapter for the university, but also an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a Dons.

Resources for Students

For students interested in participating in the design process or learning more about the transition, the university has set up a dedicated webpage where updates will be posted. Students can also reach out to the student government for involvement in discussions regarding the new mascot. Additionally, resources on the historical context of the Don and the significance of the wolf in various cultures are available through the university’s library.

As USF navigates this important transition, it remains committed to fostering a community that values dialogue, respect, and inclusivity. The decision to retire the Don and embrace a wolf mascot serves as a testament to the university’s dedication to evolving alongside its student body and the broader societal landscape. This moment in history not only reflects the changing dynamics within USF but also resonates with a national conversation about representation and identity in educational institutions.