Editor’s Note: The following editorial was submitted by Paul Cook, mass communication senior from Gray. What’s the big deal? Yes, the new Nicholls mascot, Col. Tillou, looks like a Nazi storm-trooper ready to bring back the Cold War. Yes, we should be upset that the University spent thousands of the students’ dollars in paying an outside agency to create such an unimaginable figure. And yes, the student body should be upset that it wasn’t consulted and allowed the opportunity to voice its opinion about the design of the new mascot.
Wait, I take that last part back. The student body was given plenty of opportunity within the past few years to participate in focus groups and vote on several mascot designs. Whether or not the students took the time to walk to the union and vote or to call or email their student government representatives is debatable.
Also, do you remember a few years ago when a University-wide competition was held to propose a new Nicholls mascot? Nothing good came of that endeavor, either.
And decades before that, the frustrations of the student body were voiced over the racism that was perceived by Nicholls having a mascot that greatly resembled the true Francis T. Nicholls for which the school was named.
Nicholls, you had your chance. Besides, isn’t this better than what we used to have?
I may not like the fact that the University spent student funds in hard economic times for something that may be offensive. However, I have to give credit to those who ‘okayed’ the final product-this new mascot has already started a buzz on campus, in the community and across the national college scene.
In my public relations class, a fellow student mentioned that the new Tillou has already been voted “the creepiest mascot in the nation,” and he has not even been unveiled yet! That may not sound like a good thing, until you realize that Nicholls is finally getting some national attention from this considerably small marketing event.
Over time, more and more news agencies, sports programs and journalists will descend on the sleepy little town of Thibodaux to film, photograph and write about the controversy surrounding our new Col. Tillou.
When they get here, should we show them hundreds of students booing, hissing, whining and complaining? Or should they see the entire student body amassed in the Quadrangle, the student union and the stadium, showing undying support of the Nicholls Colonels and the fighting spirit of our small, but endangered University?
Should we show the legislators and politicians in Baton Rouge, who are currently deciding the fate of Nicholls, a University divided or a determination that is stronger than ever?
The new Tillou may not be as classic a symbol as a purple and gold tiger, but I think it aptly portrays our unbreakable resolve to remain a profitable and successful four-year University.
