By Alexandria Webb
Grand Rapids Community College recently unveiled its new mascot – an otter also known as the River Raider. Nearing the first full week of winter semester, students and staff shared their thoughts on the newest Raider mascot.
Denise Jones, Coordinator of Student Retention, said, “As soon as we found out about the otter I actually called my family, and I sent a little picture for them.”
GRCC students and staff had the opportunity to vote for a new mascot during the fall semester, and were patiently waiting to see which animal won the final vote.
“I literally bought an otter from Ikea in October, so I was manifesting that it was going to be an otter, so I was thrilled,” said Sondra Davis, Support Professional of the Student Center.
Students also shared their thoughts on the design and look of the mascot.
“It looks tough, but it also looks to me like a Pokémon, which some people probably would like,” said Ezra Zedaninea, 20, of Rockford. He also shared that he didn’t really know too much about the unveiling of the new mascot but did highlight the bigger impact that a mascot can have within the community,
“I think it builds school unity. It’s a mascot and it kind of sets the entire static of how people engage in each other and school culture shaped around it…it builds the atmosphere,” said Zedaninea.
Elizabeth Gil, 20, of Grand Rapids, said, “I think he’s a really cute little otter.”
GRCC community members also explained why a mascot was important to them and what a mascot means.
“It’s good to have your school identified with something and it’s cool to see a logo and know that’s my school,” Gil said.
The vibe of the mascot is a big aspect to why most were drawn to the otter and see it as a good fit and symbol of GRCC.
“They’re playful and smart, because they’re very smart animals and they’re very resourceful.” said Davis, correlating the otters’ playfulness and smarts to those of GRCC students and staff.
As new merch drops more people are excited to embrace the otter and have some thoughts for what they would like to see the River Raider displayed on.
“I would really like to see some hoodies, …or some cute socks,” said Gil.
This new mascot is not just a symbol to wear but also a connection between students and staff.
“We have had a lot of change, the otter is kind of peaceful. And it’s bringing kind of some togetherness and it is something that we can all look forward to as far as having a mascot,” Jones explains, “The mascot coming to events will help us bring some more community and everything. So I think it will bring together a sense of belonging.”
