After Nearly 50 Years, Elmira College Mascot Gets A Name
Elmira, NY (05/16/2022) — On May 13, Elmira College President Dr. Charles Lindsay revealed the Soaring Eagle mascot's new name: Simeon. The name pays tribute to Simeon Benjamin, an Elmira businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Elmira College.
The Soaring Eagle has been the official EC mascot since the early 1970s and was chosen in tribute to the Elmira area's distinction as the "Soaring Capital of America." But the beloved mascot was never given a name.
In late April, the College initiated a contest to solicit a name from students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The EC Community sent in nearly 200 submissions with several names submitted multiple times. The top five most common names submitted were confirmed by an Elmira College Committee and then sent back out to the EC Community to vote on their favorite. More than 930 votes were tallied with Simeon winning by 55 votes.
For submitting the winning name, Ryan Ossit '22 and Sue Bresson '85 will receive a gift card. Their names were randomly selected from among the 31 people who submitted Simeon in the first round.
President Lindsay revealed the Mascot's name during a Soaring Eagle Happy Hour event on the Campus Center Portico. He was joined by the newly crowned NCA national champion EC Cheerleaders. You can see a recording of the name reveal, which was live-streamed on the College's Facebook page.
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The Soaring Eagle has been the official EC mascot since the early 1970s and was chosen in tribute to the Elmira area’s distinction as the “Soaring Capital of America.”
On May 13, Elmira College President Dr. Charles Lindsay revealed the Soaring Eagle mascot’s new name: Simeon. The name pays tribute to Simeon Benjamin, an Elmira businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Elmira College.
The newly crowned NCA national champion EC Cheerleaders helped reveal the EC Soaring Eagle mascot's new name.
Elmira College
Sarah Grossman, 607-735-1870, sgrossman@elmira.eduShare this Story
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