In print | Published April 10, 2008

To the Editor:

I would like to call attention to a small and likely over-looked paragraph from the article “Spirited mascot contest ends with ‘phoenix debut’” from last week’s Phoenix. Toward the end, the author remarks that the mascot “has already been booked for … upcoming events including the Mr. Swarthmore competition, Senior Week and Commencement.” What? Commencement?

When I double-checked this fact with Dominic Lowell, our Senior Class President, he was surprised, to say the least. I am of the firm belief that this is an unnecessary and unwelcome advance. While Commencement is not stodgy or overly self-important, it is a solemn and respectful occasion that celebrates the senior class’ academic achievements and ushers them into the next phase of their lives. Part of what makes Commencement special is the sense it gives of continuity with past (and future) Swarthmore students: the location in the amphitheater, rain or shine; Al Bloom’s speech; the way in which the diplomas are awarded … Nowhere in that picture is the Phoenix. While students several years from now may feel very differently, from my point of view the Phoenix seems little better than a garish, last-minute imposition. Currently he has about as many emotional connections to the Swarthmore community as Ronald McDonald. While I understand that every attempt will be made to eventually integrate the mascot into the larger Swarthmore tradition, the six weeks we have from now until graduation won’t cut it.

Finally, I would like to reiterate that the mascot selection process has been dubious from the first. Most of you might remember when students were asked to contribute ideas for a mascot — somehow however many dozen were submitted got whittled down to four: a gorilla, a manticore (i.e. an inside joke), a phoenix (i.e. our newspaper) and a fourth I can’t bring to mind at the moment. The mascot committee seems equally opaque. Who, exactly, is on it? How did they get selected? The only student I have ever heard mentioned in conjunction with the entire mascot process has been Kyle While ‘08. Finally, who has power over what events the mascot does and does not attend? In most instances I would concede that the mascot’s presence is relatively benign.

In the case of Commencement, however, I would like to think that those attending the event would have some sort of veto power.

Natalie Bowlus ’08

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