The Hatter has taken on a variety of looks over the past 50 years . . .
. . . from a 10-gallon hat with big eyes and curled eyelashes to a leprechaun-looking Mad Hatter to a pot-bellied statue that stood on the Hat Rack patio. The last version – a Mad Hatter with crazy “Doc Brown” hair and giant teeth – rumored to have scared children, stopped making public appearances about 10 years ago.
In spring 2011, Stetson kicked off a Mascot Challenge to give the Hatters a new look and personality. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, student organizations and university departments were invited to submit ideas and drawings. Everyone, including the general public, was given an opportunity to vote on the 70 contest submissions. Ideas ranged from a Hatter-pillar, a bear, several cowboy types and even a few fictitious creatures.
Stetson Athletics will remain the “Hatters,” named in honor of John B. Stetson. The school was named in honor of Stetson in 1889, the Philadelphia hat-maker who gave generously of his time and fortune to the university.
A committee began its work last summer to select, develop and refine the new mascot from the top five submissions. The committee included representatives from the Athletics Department, community, alumni and Disney’s character division. Judging was based on originality, feasibility and overall appeal.
After careful consideration, choosing the final mascot and winning submission was unanimous. The new Hatter, “John B.,” embodies the history, tradition and spirit of Stetson University. Just like John B. Stetson himself, the new mascot captures the pioneer spirit of those daring individuals who founded the university and helped settle Florida well over a hundred years ago. From the Stetson hat to the alligator boots, the new Hatter mascot embodies the spirit of the university and of the famed Hatter himself.
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MASCOT LINKS
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