Attention Valencia College students: you are now Pumas.
The college unveiled its new mascot Tuesday.
“In short, pumas go after what they want, and stick with it until they achieve their goal–just like Valencia College students,” an announcement release said.
“We believe it is the perfect mascot to embody the spirit and characteristics of our students, alumni, staff, faculty and our communities — strength, resilience, perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles,” said Dr. Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College.
Florida pumas, were listed as an endangered species in 1973, but their population rebounded since then, showing there are also self-reliant and strong.
Valencia College called themselves the Matadors, but the school retired that name in 2010 — the school hasn’t fielded athletic teams since 1998, when students elected to reroute those funds to provide computer labs and free tutoring. At the request of student leaders, the college began the search for a new mascot in November 2021.
Over 650 suggestions were pared down to three finalists: an orange, a cardinal and a puma. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community then voted online, and the puma was the clear winner, with 45 percent of the vote. The cardinal received 33 percent.
Valencia officials are now working with industry experts to design a puma mascot costume and hope to have one ready to unveil in fall 2022, when the student body will also be asked to vote on a name for the new mascot.
Valencia College Puma merchandise will be soon available at the Valencia College campus stores, including the Osceola and Poinciana campuses, soon.
