In 1951 the Hawk was chosen as the official College mascot by a vote of the students. Carrying on a tradition that took flight more than half a century ago, students this April participated in a mascot naming competition as a part of the Department Athletics’ new logo identity, which included implementing a new rendition of the Hawk and College mascot.

After receiving more than 50 entries, the names were narrowed down to the six most popular. Those names included Hank, Havoc, Hugo, Sky, Talli and Talon. In a landslide victory, Hugo, which was suggested by 12 different students, rose above all others because of its historic connection to New Paltz.

The name is derived from Hugo Freer, who was one of the 12 original “Dusine” French Huguenots who founded New Paltz in 1677. The Freer house still stands just minutes from campus on the oldest street in America, Huguenot Street. Others made the connection of the Huguenots for the justification of the name, which also evoked the spirit of New Paltz history.

To reward the students for their winning recommendation, the 12 names were drawn out of a hat during the 7th inning stretch at home baseball game on April 8. The lucky winner, Kimberly Sheets (‘12) was awarded an iPod Touch – coincidentally, it was her birthday as well.

“It was really funny,” said Sheets. “I’m not exactly big on birthdays – I was like ‘I’m turning 20, woo-hoo.’ But this was really exciting; it lifted the spirit of my whole day.”

Sheets, who is a History Education major, said she came up with the name while out for a run on Huguenot Street. “It just came to me and I figured I might as well submit it,” she said.

Hugo the Hawk will make select appearances at home athletic competitions and other campus spirit events throughout the year.

 

Special Thanks to:

• Amanda Altobelli
• Richard Barton
• Erica Brown
• Liz Cooper
• Shawn Gannon
• Ryan Hanrahan
• Kevin McSherry
• Jill Moskowitz
• Zuri Regisford
• Kimberly Sheets
• Richard Smith
• Kelly Speed