Friars, Bears and Rams: Meet Rhode Island's College Mascots

Providence College now has two mascots, the more well-known Friar Dom and his friendly companion, Huxley the Dalmatian. You can find them at Friars men's basketball home games at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, or on one of PC's campus facilities, including hockey rinks, soccer and lacrosse fields and many more.

In addition to four statues across campus (including the iconic "Bronze Bruno") you'll find Bruno the Bear cheering on Brown University's glowing athletic program. First introduced in 1905, Bruno was originally represented by a live bear named Dinks, who appeared at the stadium along with his mate, Helen. Student organizations were responsible for maintaining care of the bears (despite escapes and kidnapping attempts from rival teams) until the early 1960s, when the live animals were replaced by the costumed bear we know today.

The Brown University Bears compete on 34 varsity teams and 37 club sports teams that are routinely among the nation's leaders in NCAA honors for academic achievement. Varsity athletes have competed for national titles and Ivy League championships, with graduates going on to compete in professional sports and the Olympics. The campus is home to a state-of-the-art fitness center along with an expansive athletics complex that houses Ivy League football, recreational pickle ball and everything in between.

At Johnson & Wales University, you can find their mascot Wildcat Willie on campus and at their Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex. Originally introduced in the 1960s, Willie was briefly replaced by a Griffin in the '90s, before returning in all his glory in 1997.

This past August, Willie attended the Boston Bruins Fan Fest in Providence, reuniting with his old pal, Bruins' mascot Blades. The day of fan activities, player meet and greets and family fun highlighted the growing collaboration between JWU and the Bruins.

JWU's Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex just might have the best view of all the NCAA Division III facilities in the country. The JWU Wildcats baseball, lacrosse, soccer and softball teams play right on the banks of Narragansett Bay. If that doesn't inspire a game-winning performance, we don't know what does.

Keep your eye on JWU this spring as they play host to the Division III National Wrestling Championship at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in March!

Official University of Rhode Island mascot, Rhody the Ram, was selected in 1923 to reflect the university's agricultural roots. Like his counterpart at Brown University, a live Rhody the Ram made his debut at a football game in 1929, a tradition which continued until 1974 when the first costumed mascot appeared. In addition to sporting events, Rhody often appears around campus for community events, even making an appearance dressed as Taylor Swift, and has been recognized in the Mascot Hall of Fame. 

Rhody is frequently spotted at the Ryan Center, home to Rhody Rams men's and women's basketball teams as well as the football team locker rooms, athletic offices and a souvenir store. Other campus facilities include soccer, softball and tennis complexes as well as a football and lacrosse stadium, fieldhouse and aquatics center.

Fun Fact: Two former students met while serving as Rhody the Ram and eventually married!

Bryant University's 25 NCAA Division I teams are represented by both a costumed Bulldog and a live bulldog mascot. Tupper II, the current bulldog, was named after the original, Ironclad Tupper. Ironclad Tupper, in turn, was named in recognition of Tupperware Corporation president Earl Tupper, who dedicated the land for Bryant's Smithfield campus in 1967. Tupper II, and his costumed counterpart, can be found raising school spirit at sporting events and community events for current students and alumni.

Bryant's Chace Athletic Center is the home for the Bulldogs basketball, volleyball and swimming and diving teams. Other sport facilities on campus include football fields, cross country trails, tennis courts, baseball and softball stadiums and more. Best of all, Bryant's campus is just 15 miles north of Providence, making it an ideal spot for multi-facility sporting events.

Swoop the Hawk represents Roger Williams University's commitment to celebrating the natural wildlife of Rhode Island. Swoop is best known for promoting school pride and fostering community at university events like the Alumni & Reunion Weekend, where attendees can even pose for photos with the mascot.

Located in nearby Bristol, RWU's athletic activity centers around the 124,000-square-foot Campus Recreation Center, featuring a central gymnasium, two dance studios, a field house and more. Outdoor facilities include fields for soccer, softball and baseball, as well as a new rugby pitch and the RWU Waterfront for sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Rhode Island College adopted the Anchorman as its official mascot to reflect the college's maritime heritage and commitment to education. The Anchorman symbolizes stability and guidance, representative of RIC's mission to provide a solid foundation for its students. In addition to sporting events, the Anchorman can often be seen at various campus events like the First Year Convocation to engage with new students and foster school spirit.

RIC athletes compete in 21 varsity sports including soccer, basketball, gymnastics and tennis. Recent enhancements to the campus include new and renovated facilities for track and field, tennis, softball, baseball and more.

Salve Regina University's location in Newport, RI, makes their mascot, Sammy the Seahawk, very fitting. Sammy was introduced in 1997 and has become a central figure in university events, highlighting the school's commitment to tradition and school pride.

The Salve Regina Seahawks compete on campus and at various locations around Newport. From baseball and basketball on campus and sailing at nearby Fort Adams State Park to St. George's School Ice Rink and even the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport provides a beautiful backdrop for any athletic event.

The Community College of Rhode Island has adopted the Knight as its mascot in recognition of the institution's commitment to excellence and honor.

Warwick's Knight Campus was named for Royal W. Knight, of Warwick, who donated 80 acres of property to the college in 1972. It was designed as a megastructure to encourage social, educational and cultural exchanges among students. The Flanagan Campus in Lincoln, opened in 1976, features solar panels and computerized temperature control, displaying the college's innovative approach to education and sustainability.

The campuses in Lincoln and Warwick each boast a field house with an indoor track, four basketball courts and fitness rooms. The Flanagan Campus in Lincoln also houses a modern dance room, swimming pool and outdoor basketball courts. The CCRI Knights can compete at an intercollegiate level or in intramural and recreational sports. The college is dedicated to providing a dynamic environment for the community.

New England Institute of Technology introduced Techie the Tiger in 2018 as part of the school's rebranding efforts to build its identity. Techie can often be spotted at events around campus as well as wearing a headset in the esports team logo.

When it comes to esports, NEIT's Esports Gaming Center is the place to be with professional-grade equipment, ergonomic gaming chairs and dedicated space for tournaments. The Tech Tigers field teams in Valorant, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and more at both varsity and club level.