The mascot of the State University of New York at Oswego, also known as SUNY Oswego, is the Laker. The Laker is a representation of the strong connection that the university has with Lake Ontario, as it is situated on the southeastern shore of the lake in Oswego, New York. The Laker mascot is often seen at various sporting events and university functions, serving as a symbol of pride and unity among the SUNY Oswego community. The mascot is depicted as a friendly and energetic character, wearing the university's colors of green and gold. The Laker mascot is known for its involvement in promoting school spirit and rallying support for the university's athletic teams. It can be seen leading chants, engaging with the crowd, and creating an exciting atmosphere during games.
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An effective mascot program will require a significant amount of financial support and number of people involved to make it work, again something that needs to be discussed as we go along. This formal designation appropriately represents who SUNY Oswego is today a premier institution proud of its shared commitment to excellence and unwavering efforts to place student success at the center of all we do, Officer in Charge Mary C.
It can be seen leading chants, engaging with the crowd, and creating an exciting atmosphere during games. The Laker mascot is also involved in community outreach efforts, making appearances at local events and fundraisers. SUNY Oswego takes great pride in its mascot, as the Laker represents the university's commitment to excellence and its strong connection to the surrounding community.
SUNY Oswego changes name after being recognized as a university
As of Jan. 1, 2023, SUNY Oswego is now formally recognized as a university. The school changed its official name to "State University of New York at Oswego," but will still refer to itself as SUNY Oswego. (Provided photo)
shares- Geoff Herbert | [email protected]
SUNY Oswego is getting a name change after being formally recognized as a university.
The school announced this week that it will continue to be known as SUNY Oswego, but its official state education title will change from “State University of New York College at Oswego” to “State University of New York at Oswego.” The change took effect Jan. 1, 2023, and was approved by Interim SUNY Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley, who was authorized by the State University of New York Board of Trustees.
“This formal designation appropriately represents who SUNY Oswego is today – a premier institution proud of its shared commitment to excellence and unwavering efforts to place student success at the center of all we do,” Officer in Charge Mary C. Toale said in a statement. “Recognized officially as a university reinforces our institutional priorities; spotlights our high-quality, high-impact practices inside and outside the classroom; and underpins our mission to sustain our university and build a better world for future generations.”
According to a press release, SUNY Oswego filed for the name change to the New York State Education Department in November after the New York State Board of Regents issued new guidelines for what constitutes a university. To do so, a higher education institution must “offer a range of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, including graduate programs registered in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.”
College vs. University: What’s the difference?
According to U.S. News & World Report, which ranks the nation’s best colleges annually, the difference between “college” and “university” is small but can be significant. Colleges are generally considered smaller institutions and sometimes overlooked by international students because other countries may use the word “college” to mean high school.
In the U.S., “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably — higher ed students are “in college” or play “college sports” even if they attend a university, for example — but all universities must offer graduate programs to be designated as such, according to Elmhurst University, which changed its name from Elmhurst College in 2020.
The State University of New York at Oswego says it offers more than 110 undergraduate majors and minors and graduate programs.
“Recognition as a university will continue to add to our global reputation,” said Joshua McKeown, Associate Provost for International Education and Programs. “SUNY Oswego is already a sought-after higher education destination for students and research partners around the world. This designation and our proven track record for serving, supporting and advancing the international student population will help us grow our international presence at SUNY Oswego.”
SUNY Oswego, also known as Oswego State, was founded in 1861 as the Oswego Primary Teachers’ Training School by Edward Austin Sheldon. The school was known as the Oswego Normal School when it moved to its current lakeside location in Oswego, N.Y., in 1913, and was one of the State University of New York’s charter members in 1948.
The State University of New York at Oswego now has roughly 8,000 students and more than 92,000 alumni, including “Today” show weatherman Al Roker, ESPN sportscaster Steve Levy, author Alice McDermott, and “SportsCenter” anchor Linda Cohn.
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Yes, changing Oswego’s mascot and completely rebranding would cost a pretty penny, but Oswego is definitely used to changing things around. In 1948, Oswego expanded not just to a school for teaching, but it developed programs in the sciences and arts. Countless buildings have been constructed on campus since the 1960s. Others have been renovated and changed around, even currently.
The Laker embodies the spirit of SUNY Oswego and serves as a symbol of unity, pride, and tradition for students, alumni, and fans alike..
Reviews for "SUNY Oswego's Mascot: The Face of a Changing Campus"
1. John - 2 stars - The Suny Oswego Mascot is just plain ridiculous. I don't understand why they chose a giant anthropomorphic sun for their mascot. It's not intimidating or representative of the school in any way. It's more suitable for a children's cartoon than a university mascot. I think they should go back to the drawing board and come up with something more traditional and meaningful.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't help but cringe when I saw the Suny Oswego Mascot. It's a sun with arms and legs, and it just looks silly. I don't think it instills any sense of pride or excitement in students or alumni. It's a missed opportunity to have a mascot that truly represents the spirit and values of the university. I hope they reconsider and come up with something better.
3. Mike - 2 stars - The Suny Oswego Mascot is a letdown. It's hard to take seriously when your school's mascot is a giant smiling sun. It doesn't provide any motivation or inspiration. When I attend sporting events or see the mascot at campus events, I can't help but think how much better it could have been. The sun just doesn't evoke any sense of school spirit or pride. I wish they had chosen something more traditional or fierce as a mascot.
4. Jennifer - 2 stars - As a graduating senior, I've never been a fan of the Suny Oswego Mascot. It's just so cheesy and unoriginal. I feel like other schools have much cooler and more unique mascots that truly represent their identity. The sun doesn't convey any real meaning or connection to Suny Oswego. It's a missed opportunity to have a memorable mascot that can rally students and alumni together. I hope they consider a redesign in the future.