The Rensselaer Spirit Committee has recommended keeping the nickname ENGINEERS.
The article, from the administration's campus propaganda paper follows, and
then I add my own comments.
 
Committee Recommends Keeping "Engineers"
   - Rensselaer Review, April 28, 1995
 
The Rensselaer Spirit Committee's recommendations to enhance the pride and
visibility of the Institute's sports programs include keeping the nickname
"Engineers" and introducing a new Red Hawk mascot, according to Kerry Quinn,
assistant athletic director, who chaired the committee.
 
The committee presented its report to the President's Cabinet April 11. The
cabinet approved the recommendations and asked the committee to develop
mascot and logo designs for presentation to campus.
 
The Spirit Committee launched a search for new nickname and mascot ideas in
October, soliciting feedback from alumni, students, faculty, and staff. The
committee reviewed 177 nickname options and 146 letters in support of keeping
"Engineers."
 
"Although some of the nickname options were interesting, broad-based, and
reflective of Rensselaer's unique character, none seemed strong enough to
replace the long-standing "Engineers." In the end the committee felt strongly
that the "Engineers" nickname reflects our proud tradition in a way no other
nickname could," Quinn said.
 
The committee's final report also suggests that maintaining the "Engineers"
nickname will ensure consistency of recognition, both nationally and for the
local community.
 
Quinn said a recommendation of equal importance is the introduction of a
strong mascot personality to heighten visibility and add entertainment value
at sporting events. The group proposed a red hawk as mascot, creating a
larger-than-life character to coordinate routines with the pep band at
hockey games, to entertain fans at many Rensselaer sporting events, and to
help generate spirit, pride, and enthusiasm.
 
Other recommendations to encourage positive fan behavior include reinforcing
the importance of the pep band to direct and entertain fans and forming a
Student Spirit Club to work with Athletics, the pep band, and the
cheerleaders to organize game entertainment.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
At least the committee made the right decision concerning the most important
part of this- the nickname. However, their reasoning for keeping the name
directly contradicts why they had a contest in the first place, the current
name does not represent the school. Those who support the Engineers must have
voiced some very strong arguments.
 
I don't particularly like the new mascot, but I guess I can live with it.
RPI used to have a skating bee mascot, which was very popular until
then-coach Buddy Powers decided he didn't like it. So, the bee was killed.
The red hawk really provides the same function as the swarm (bee). So, I
would rather see the swarm again. It would save the money involved in
making a new costume, unless the coach through the old one out. I guess
another factor is the problem with admitting to a mistake. If the swarm
returns, then I guess it would seem like they screwed up.
 
I like the other recommendations made by the committee concerning fan
entertainment and participation. Despite RPI's large home crowds, the
fans are far too quiet.
 
Rodney Feldman
RPI '94, GRAD, proud to be an ENGINEER
 
*******************************************************************************
          RPI ENGINEERS: 1984, 1985, 1995 ECAC ice hockey champions
 
                        One, two, three, WE WANT MORE!
 
                            The ENGINEERS forever!
*******************************************************************************