In reaction to University President Stephen Hulbert’s decision that the Nicholls mascot be updated, the University and Alumni Affairs have received comments both positive and negative. “The reaction has been mixed,” Debbie Raziano, director of Alumni Affairs said.” There are those that are very upset and those that have expressed support. Once (I) explain that it is the costume that will be changing and not the mascot, they are more understanding.”

Mike Delaune, director of University relations, echoed Raziano’s sentiment. “There are lots of people who have spoken out in favor of the change as well as some who have not been in favor. There have been reactions from various components of Nicholls as well as the community,” Delaune said.

In a letter to the editor in the April 18th edition of the Nicholls Worth, marketing senior Lance Lapeyrouse stated, “Nicholls will lose much more money from thousands of alumni as a result of the change.” Though the Alumni Federation has not sent out their dues requests for this month, according to Raziano, there is some concern that it will affect membership in the Alumni Federation.

“At this point, I do anticipate some that will say they will not be a part of the Alumni Federation due to this issue, but change is slow and we have to make progress,” Raziano said.

According to Delaune, the University is currently in the process of hiring a firm to re-brand the University. “After the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, Nicholls will be entering into a contract to study and enhance the Nicholls brand,” Delaune said. “We will solicit input from the student body through the SGA. The mascot will be one of many issues addressed through this process.”

With the fast approaching football season, Nicholls may be in the rare collegiate position of not having a mascot at all. “The decision will not be driven by the football season but by the process. It is entirely possible we will not have a mascot at the beginning of the football season,” Delaune said.