What Exactly Is Dartmouth’s Mascot?

Dartmouth College, one of the oldest and most prestigious Ivy League institutions, has a unique and somewhat controversial history regarding its mascot. Historically, the college used the “Indian” symbol as the unofficial Dartmouth mascot from the late 19th century until 1974. This symbol became a significant part of Dartmouth’s identity, appearing on everything from athletic uniforms to college stationery.

However, growing awareness and concerns about racial insensitivity led to the retirement of the “Indian” mascot in 1974. In this blog, we’ll explore the history and evolution of the Dartmouth College mascot and what sets the college apart.

• What Is Dartmouth’s Official Mascot?
• Meet Keggy the Keg: The Unofficial Dartmouth Mascot
• Dartmouth Mascot Design
• How to Be Keggy the Keg
• What Is Dartmouth Known For?
• Takeaways

What Is Dartmouth’s Official Mascot?

Historically, there was no official Dartmouth mascot, but the school used the “Indian” symbol unofficially until 1974. This symbol was retired following considerable debate and activism, mainly from Native American students and allies, who argued that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes.

This decision was part of a broader movement in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century, where many institutions reevaluated and ultimately removed Native American college football mascots to combat racial stereotyping.

Since then, the college has yet to adopt an official Dartmouth mascot, leading to ongoing discussions about what, if anything, should replace the retired symbol. Meanwhile, Keggy the Keg has become a popular unofficial mascot among students.

Meet Keggy the Keg: The Unofficial Dartmouth Mascot

With no official mascot to rally around, Dartmouth students decided to get creative in 2003 and introduced Keggy the Keg. Created by members of the Dartmouth humor magazine, the Jack-O-Lantern, Keggy is a fun-loving character—a giant beer keg with a friendly face. He was designed as a lighthearted and cheeky way to fill the Dartmouth mascot gap.

Despite being unofficial, Keggy the Keg quickly became popular on campus and is now a beloved figure at major events like football games, Green Key Weekend, and Homecoming. Keggy embodies Dartmouth’s student culture’s fun, quirky spirit, where tradition and humor go hand in hand.

Dartmouth Mascot Design

Keggy the Keg, with its quirky and humorous appearance, is a one-of-a-kind college football mascot. Here’s a closer look at what makes Keggy’s design so memorable:

• Concept: Keggy the Keg is designed to look like a giant beer keg with a smiling face. The concept behind Keggy was to create a humorous and unconventional Dartmouth mascot, setting it apart from the more traditional mascots seen at other colleges.
• Materials and construction: The Dartmouth mascot costume is crafted to resemble an oversized keg, with metallic silver fabric to mimic the appearance of metal. The face is designed with large, expressive eyes and a big smile, giving Keggy a friendly and approachable look. The costume is built to be sturdy enough for active movements but light enough to be worn comfortably during events.
• Symbolism: Keggy’s design symbolizes Dartmouth’s student life’s fun and social aspects. The Dartmouth mascot often appears at events where students gather to celebrate, which makes it a fitting representation of camaraderie and school spirit. Keggy’s design is intentionally light-hearted, reminding us that while Dartmouth is an academically rigorous institution, it also values community and enjoyment.

How to Be Keggy the Keg

What does it take to become the beloved Dartmouth College mascot? The process is fun and competitive, with students eager to don the famous costume. Here’s how  you can become Keggy:

Auditioning for the role

If you want to become Keggy the Keg, you’ll typically need to go through an audition process organized by the Jack-O-Lantern, Dartmouth’s humor magazine that created Keggy. The auditions are open to all students and are designed to find students who best capture Keggy’s playful, energetic, and humorous personality.

During the auditions, you’ll be asked to perform various tasks and skits to show how well you can engage a crowd, think on your feet, and really bring Keggy to life. The competition can be tough because many students see this role as a fun and unique way to be part of Dartmouth’s campus life.

Responsibilities and duties

Once you’re chosen to be Keggy, you’ll have several important roles. Your main job as the Dartmouth mascot will be to represent the college at events like football games, Green Key weekend, and the Homecoming bonfire. You’ll need to interact with the crowd, perform skits, and keep the energy high at every event.

Beyond these public appearances, Keggy also participates in various student activities and is featured in campus media, making the role both visible and influential. You’ll work closely with the Jack-O-Lantern team to make sure that Keggy’s appearances match the magazine’s style and sense of humor.

What Is Dartmouth Known For?

Aside from just Keggy the Keg, Dartmouth College is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and close-knit community. As one of the Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth offers a blend of rigorous academics, strong traditions, and a commitment to undergraduate education. Here are some key aspects that make it stand out and why Dartmouth could be the right choice for you:

Undergraduate focus

Unlike other Ivy League schools with big graduate programs, Dartmouth strongly focuses on its undergrads. This means you get smaller classes, more one-on-one time with professors, and many chances to get into research early on.

Here are some of Dartmouth’s popular undergraduate programs:

• Economics: One of the most sought-after majors, Dartmouth’s Economics program is known for its rigorous coursework and strong focus on analytical skills. Courses like “Economics of Public Policy Making” provide students with a deep understanding of economic principles in the context of government policies.
• Government: This program attracts students interested in politics, international relations, and public policy. The “International Relations” course is particularly popular, and it offers insights into global political dynamics and preparing students for careers in diplomacy, law, or public service.
• Computer Science: Dartmouth’s Computer Science program is cutting-edge, with courses that cover areas like artificial intelligence, software development, and data science. The program is designed to teach students practical skills and a solid theoretical foundation in computing.
• Psychology: Known for its focus on research and clinical practices, Dartmouth’s Psychology program offers courses that tackle cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and developmental psychology. Students gain hands-on experience through research projects and internships.
• Environmental Studies: This interdisciplinary program reflects Dartmouth’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Courses cover topics like sustainability, conservation, and climate change, with students often participating in field studies and research in Dartmouth’s natural surroundings.
• Engineering Sciences (Thayer School of Engineering): Dartmouth’s engineering program is unique in the Ivy League, offering a hands-on, project-based curriculum. Students often engage in real-world problem-solving and innovative design projects, making it a good choice for those interested in engineering.

The D-Plan

This quarter-based calendar lets you customize your academic schedule to fit your life. Want to take off for an internship or study abroad? No problem. The D-Plan gives you the flexibility to do that without missing a beat. You could be in New York City for an internship one term, studying abroad in Rome the next, and back on campus for a winter term.

The D-Plan also means you can grab internships during times when other students are in school, giving you an edge. Dartmouth’s study abroad options are top-notch too, with programs in places like London, Beijing, and Spain.

Strong alumni network

Dartmouth’s alumni network is legendary. You’ll find Dartmouth grads in all kinds of leadership roles, making significant contributions in various fields.

• Robert Frost: One of America’s most celebrated poets, Robert Frost won four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. He left a lasting impact on American literature with his depictions of rural life and his exploration of complex social and philosophical themes.
• Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel): Revolutionizing children’s literature, Dr. Seuss created imaginative characters and stories that combine fun with important life lessons. His books, like “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham,” are beloved classics that have inspired generations of young readers to embrace creativity and curiosity.
• Jeffrey Immelt: As the former CEO of General Electric, Jeffrey Immelt led one of the world’s largest companies through significant transformations. His focus on shifting GE towards digital industrial solutions and steering the company through challenging economic times makes his leadership a frequent case study in business schools.
• Nelson A. Rockefeller: A prominent political figure and philanthropist, Nelson Rockefeller served as the 41st Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford. Before that, he was the Governor of New York for four terms and played a significant role in shaping U.S. domestic policy in the mid-20th century.
• Mindy Kaling: Mindy Kaling is a successful actress, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for her work on “The Office” and her show “The Mindy Project.” She has become a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for her wit, creativity, and pioneering role as a woman of color in the entertainment industry.
• Jake Tapper: A well-known journalist and author, Jake Tapper is the Chief Washington Correspondent for CNN and the host of “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” He has covered major national and international news stories and is recognized for his insightful political commentary.

Whether you’re looking for a mentor, networking opportunities, or even a job, there’s a good chance a Dartmouth alum will be there to lend a hand. They keep in touch with each other, which is very helpful as you move forward after college.

Outdoor programs

Dartmouth takes full advantage of its location in Hanover, New Hampshire. If you love the outdoors, you’ll fit right in.

The Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) is a big part of campus life. It’s the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the country, offering everything from hiking and canoeing to skiing and rock climbing. No matter your experience level, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy nature.

Dartmouth also emphasizes environmental responsibility. Through the DOC, you’ll learn how to enjoy the outdoors while taking care of the environment. The college owns the Second College Grant, a vast wilderness area where you can explore, do research, or just relax in nature.

For winter sports fans, Dartmouth has the Dartmouth Skiway, a college-owned ski area close to campus. Events like the Winter Carnival—with ski races and snow sculptures—celebrate the college’s love for winter activities.

Your outdoor adventure at Dartmouth starts right away with First-Year Trips, an orientation program that takes new students into the wilderness to bond and experience the outdoors together. It’s a great way to kick off your Dartmouth experience.

Tight-knit community

One of Dartmouth’s standout features is its close-knit community. With a smaller student body, it’s easier to form strong connections. It’s easy to find your place as the college cultivates an inclusive and supportive environment. The lasting impact of Dartmouth is seen in how many alumni choose to stay connected even after graduation.

Dartmouth’s living and learning communities also help promote these connections. From the first-year dorms to upperclassmen housing, students live and learn together, building friendships that last well beyond college. These communities make it easy to find your place on campus and create a true sense of belonging.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Dartmouth mascot?
   Dartmouth does not have an official mascot, although Keggy the Keg is an unofficial Dartmouth mascot many students love.
2. Why was the “Indian” mascot retired?
   The “Indian” mascot was retired in 1974 due to growing concerns about its insensitivity and the harmful stereotypes it perpetuated.
3. Who created Keggy the Keg?
   Keggy the Keg was created by Dartmouth students in 2003 as a humorous and unofficial mascot to fill the void left by the retired “Indian” symbol.
4. Is Keggy the Keg officially recognized by Dartmouth College?
   No, Keggy the Keg is not officially recognized by Dartmouth College, though it is widely popular among students and has become an iconic figure at many campus events.
5. What is Dartmouth known for?
   Dartmouth is renowned for its strong undergraduate programs, close-knit community, and unique academic calendar known as the D-Plan. The college is also famous for its outdoor programs, thanks to its beautiful location in rural New Hampshire.

Takeaways

• The evolution from the “Indian” mascot to Keggy the Keg shows Dartmouth’s adaptability and commitment to inclusivity.
• Though unofficial, Keggy has become a beloved symbol, capturing Dartmouth’s student culture’s fun and quirky spirit.
• Beyond its mascot, Dartmouth stands out for its strong focus on undergraduate education, flexible D-Plan, active alumni network, and extensive outdoor programs.
• If you’re interested in enrolling at Dartmouth, the college is renowned for its standout programs, including Economics, Government, Environmental Studies, and Engineering, each offering rigorous coursework and hands-on learning opportunities.
• If you aim to get into Dartmouth and want expert, personalized guidance on crafting an application that stands out, consider reaching out to a college admissions consultant today.