It’s National Community College Month, and what better way to celebrate than by learning about the ten mascots representing Maricopa Community Colleges? These lovable faces are more than characters created for marketing – they each have a story of how they became irreplaceable members of their college campuses. Mascots are beloved crowd-pleasers at home athletic games and campus and community events. They show their school spirit by cheering on the team with fans, shaking hands, and posing for photos, making everyone feel part of their college's pride. Let’s take a closer look at each of the ten mascots.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Celebrating 30 years as an accredited college, Chandler-Gilbert Community College is home to Cody the Coyote. However, when the college first opened, student leaders at the time wanted the mascot to be the "Flies" because the flies were so bad due to the dairy being across the street from the campus. Finally, after some convincing, student leaders came to their senses, and the coyote was selected to represent Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Today, Cody the Coyote is known for his cameos in several of President Dr. Greg Peterson’s videos. If you’re interested in joining Cody’s Coyote Pack, visit www.cgc.edu.
Estrella Mountain Community College
Rory, the Estrella Mountain Lion, was selected as Estrella Mountain Community College’s mascot in 2009 after a yearlong selection process. During the process, student ambassadors developed activities to help educate students about the different types of lions, including facts about indigenous species to Arizona and especially the Estrella Mountain range. Students were also given definitions of descriptive words so that the design created of the mascot reflected the exact qualities students wanted their lion to impart. Finally, students were able to vote on two designs. Visit www.estrellamountain.edu to learn how you can join the Estrella Mountain Lions.
GateWay Community College
The original mascot for Maricopa Technical College mascot was a Prospector with his mule. In 1987, Maricopa Technical Community College officially became GateWay Community College. The name change reflected the wide range of curricular offerings and the new 40th and Washington Streets location. In 2002, Echo the Gecko was adopted to coincide with the start of the athletics program. To celebrate GateWay Community College’s 50th Anniversary in 2018, Echo the Gecko’s look was updated. If you’re interested in becoming a Gecko, visit. www.gatewaycc.edu.
Glendale Community College
The beloved Gaucho is the mascot of Glendale Community College. The International Students Program donated the outfit and accessories that the Glendale Gaucho wears, which are authentic to what Argentina gauchos wear on cattle ranches. Learn about the history of the Gaucho at www.gccaz.edu/about/history. Find out how you can become a Gaucho at www.gccaz.edu.
Mesa Community College
Since 1974, Mesa Community College’s mascot has been the Thunderbird; before this change, the college’s mascot was the Hokam. In 2008, the redesigned Thunderbird athletics mascot logo debuted during the homecoming game. In 2020, Thor the Thunderbird received a makeover, making his costume more colorful, engaging, and bold. Nonetheless, Thor the Thunderbird represents soaring power, strength, and fun. Learn how you can become a Thunderbird at www.mesacc.edu.
Paradise Valley Community College
In 1989, after receiving 300 votes from students, faculty, and staff, the Puma was chosen as the official college mascot. Yet, Paws didn’t debut until over a decade later, in 2002. Today, Paws is a staple at PVCC events and embodies the campus's spirit, energy, and pride. Find out how you can become a Puma at www.paradisevalley.edu.
Phoenix College
For over 100 years, Bumstead the Bear has been the official mascot for Phoenix College. In the 1920s, the college even had a rambunctious bear cub that wowed spectators at football games and local parades. However, as the bear cub grew, it became clear that having a real bear was unsafe, and Bumstead found a new home in Apache Junction. A statue was introduced as the school’s new mascot; nonetheless, shenanigans involving many of Bumstead's statues occurred over the years. While the tomfoolery is long over, Bumstead remains a cherished fixture on the campus today. If you’re interested in joining the Bears, visit www.phoenixcollege.edu. Learn more about Bumstead.
Rio Salado College
In 2015, Rio Salado College’s new mascot, Rio Waves, was unveiled. The new Rio Waves mascot represents the water of the Salt River and how the college cuts through barriers and navigates around obstacles in order to find innovative ways to serve non-traditional students. In 2015, by popular vote by students, faculty, staff, and the public, Splash was chosen as the official name of the mascot. You can find Splash at Rio Salado’s annual Dash with Splash scholarship fundraiser motivating and energizing runners and at other college events. Find out how you can become a Rio Wave by visiting www.riosalado.edu.
Scottsdale Community College
In the early 1970s, a period of student unrest concerning budget priorities sparked an unlikely hero – Artie the Artichoke. Originally intended to be a source of embarrassment, Artie was embraced with open arms and quickly became a beloved symbol for students, faculty and staff members, and alumni. If you’re interested in becoming an Artichoke, visit www.scottsdalecc.edu.
South Mountain Community College
For more than 40 years, South Mountain has been the heart of South Phoenix and sparked the growth and revitalization of the area. South Mountain Community College’s mascot is Cougy the Cougar. If you want to join Cougy’s pack, visit www.southmountaincc.edu.