The Mountain Lion Gets a Makeover Courtesy of Hired Graphic Design Firm School Branding Agency
By Jordan Chila | Editor-in Chief
MWCC started the process of implementing a new mascot in the fall of 2024 with a vision that embodied the school’s mission. Students and faculty were asked to vote on various animals and in the end the mountain lion stuck. However, it did receive a makeover. MWCC Marketing department hired the design firm School Branding Agency to create three options that students voted on between January 27th and 30th. Phase 3 is soon approaching.
The results for the new mascot design were announced February 5, 2025. Design option 1 will be the new face of the school. According to the marketing department, 576 people voted and of those 70% were students. Stephanie England, Director of Marketing, weighed in on student response. She comments, “As of January 30, over 300 students have participated in the voting process, showing just how much they care about shaping MWCC’s mascot.”
While faculty input is used, the process of generating a new mascot has solely relied on student input it seems. When asked if England had cast a vote on the new mascot design, she said she didn’t. “I have chosen not to cast a vote myself. While I may have personal preferences, I believe it’s essential for the student voice to take precedence in my opinion,” states England.
While marketing did hope to prioritize student input, Science Major, Jay Morris, did express feelings about an outside firm creating the design options. Morris supports Marty being rebranded to give the mascot “meaning” but he does wish students input could have been better reflected in the designs. Morris comments, “I wish students got to design the mascot as it represents the college and its students.”
What’s next in this process? It’s phase 3, where students and faculty will determine the name of the next mountain lion. Marty could be receiving a new name. Benjamin Heffner, Dual Enrollment Student, gives his opinion on the subject. Heffner says “Personally I still like the name Marty. It has a nice ring to it.” Once the name is confirmed then the final stage of moving the mascot’s representation will be underway.
England has clarified that once the final designs are implemented through “guidelines,” the marketing department’s goal is to have the mascot presented soon. “…students can see their chosen mascot come to life before the summer months,” Comments England. Keep your eyes peeled for the next phase and for the future MWCC mascot.
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