News Summary
Grand Rapids Community College has opened voting for its new mascot, with options including an otter, lion, and fox. Voting is available until October 3, and community feedback is shaping the decision. The otter currently leads in popularity among students, followed by the lion and fox. The mascot selection process includes a collaborative effort from students, staff, and alumni, aiming for a new representation by Homecoming 2025.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) has officially commenced voting for a new mascot, with the final three options being an otter, a lion, and a fox. This important decision is being made with enthusiastic participation from the GRCC community.
Voting is open until October 3, allowing students, faculty, and community members to express their preferences for the new college emblem. Among the contenders, the otter has garnered notable support for its appealing design and playful characteristics. An unofficial tally among students shows the otter in the lead, closely followed by the lion, while the fox trails behind.
Notable support for the otter comes from individuals like Gregory Gardner Wayland, an 18-year-old freshman, who appreciates the creature’s design and its correlation with GRCC. Another student, Nikah Muhammad, a 19-year-old from Grand Rapids, values the otter for its playful nature. On the other hand, Mary Trice, a 44-year-old resident of Grand Rapids, favors the lion, linking it to strength and her support for the Detroit Lions. Lastly, Ericka Schaefer, a 19-year-old from Middleville, finds the fox attractive, although she believes the lion represents GRCC more suitably.
The college’s prior mascot, an Indiana-Jones themed raccoon, was retired in 2012. Since then, GRCC has been actively exploring an array of mascot options, including a lion inspired by a unique campus fountain. The current mascot selection process is part of a substantial collaborative effort that includes input from all campus stakeholders—students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
Students have also proposed alternative animals in the mascot survey, which remains open until April 18. Suggestions include a wolf for its nobility and resilience and a unicorn for its distinctive identity. Numerous students are unaware of the long-retired raccoon mascot, highlighting how much time has passed since its retirement.
GRCC is aiming to introduce the new mascot by Homecoming 2025, ensuring a thoughtful and inclusive selection process. The college prioritizes engagement with its community while deliberating this symbolic representation, demonstrating the importance of school spirit and identity among the student body.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Community College Introduces New Mascot
GRCC Kicks Off the New Academic Year in Grand Rapids
Students’ College Transition Experiences at GRCC
Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Students React to the Final 3 Options for the New GRCC Mascot
- Wikipedia: Mascot
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Mascot Voting to Begin During Homecoming Week
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Community College
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Launches Search for New Mascot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mascot
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Students Discuss the Transition to Canvas
- Google News: Grand Rapids Community College News
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
