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Last year, ������Ƶ's mascot received a new name: Bernie. This year, it debuts a new look.

The first Golden Wolf costume introduced nearly 10 years ago was replaced with a less-imposing outfit manufactured by the Norristown, PA, company best known for developing Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot.

"Bernie has always been more than a mascot — it’s a true reflection of the bold, driven and joyful spirit of our students," said ������Ƶ President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "The new look brings all the energy, spirit, and pride that make ������Ƶ unstoppable. Just as our students are constantly growing, discovering, and leading, Bernie is stepping into this next chapter with the same drive to inspire pride, strengthen connections, and celebrate everything it means to be part of the ������Ƶ community."

Mary-Alice Ozechoski, senior vice president of enrollment management & student affairs, pitched to manufacture the new costume due to its location and the quality of its work. Along with Gritty, its portfolio includes the Red Robin restaurant mascot, New York University's Bobcat and Philadelphia radio station B101's Buzz Bee.

“I knew it was going to be a higher-quality and more professional-looking product,” Ozechoski said. “It’s something that is more reflective of the quality of the athletic experience here and feels more like the kind of institution that we are. And because they’re a local company, it allowed us to have people go down and touch it and talk to them and talk about who we were.”
 

Bernie: Bold Spirit. Franciscan Heart.

Provost Fabrication loved the look of the wolf statue in front of the Physical Education Center, especially its face. To show toughness, the company suggested focusing on the paws and feet so it doesn’t look like it’s primed to attack.

The updated mascot can also change its apparel depending on the setting: the jersey and shorts work for a sporting event, but more formal gear can be utilized for an open house or commencement.
 

"Re-introducing Bernie is an exciting step forward for our student and alumni experience," said Felicia Nelson, associate director of student activities. "This mascot rebrand was shaped through months of thoughtful planning, teamwork and creative contributions from all corners of the campus community."
 

The revamped look follows a successful naming contest for the Golden Wolf. A committee of faculty, staff, alums, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and students oversaw the mascot naming process, whittling down submissions to a few finalists. President Fitzgerald made the final decision.

“The name Bernie honors our Bernardine Franciscan heritage and reflects the spirit of our founding Sisters," Fitzgerald said. "Bernie embodies the values of service, humility, and peacemaking that we cherish, while also representing the vibrant, inclusive community we are building together. With this refreshed look, Bernie continues to be a joyful reminder of our mission, a unifying presence for our students, and a source of pride for us all.”
 

The name was unveiled during Maroon and Gold Night, coinciding with Homecoming & Family Weekend, which allowed students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community to pick which of the two outfit designs they preferred. The winning design received 60 percent of the votes.
 

"Bernie is more than a fresh design; he reflects the pride, energy and sense of community that defines our campus," Nelson said. "I am looking forward to the way he'll bring our students together through engagement across campus, and most importantly, school spirit."