Where the Wildcats Are!

During the 2006 Homecoming Weekend, the University of New Hampshire unveiled its newest symbol of Wildcat pride—a larger-than-life bronze statue installed next to Memorial Field. But the story of the UNH mascot begins many years earlier.

In the 1920s, live bobcats were used as mascots, despite the fact that the cats did not enjoy captivity, let alone the crowds and spectacle of athletics events. The late C. Philip Shannon '36, president of Lambda Chi Alpha, was the trainer for Butch I, one of several bobcat mascots.

In 1940 the decision was made to do without a live mascot. Since then, graphics, costumed players, and most recently, the Wildcat sculpture, have brought the mascot to life.

It’s hard to imagine this spot without the Wildcat sculpture. The $160,000 project was funded entirely with private gifts, including support from the Edward and Selma Bacon Simon fund, alumni donors, and the UNH Parents Association. Staff and faculty, alumni, parents and artists on the sculpture committee chose from among 40 artists' proposals.

According to sculptor Matthew Gray Palmer of Friday Harbor, Washington, moving the sculpture was not terribly difficult with the proper equipment, just a little nerve racking. The wildcat's eye level is over 6' high and the sculpture weighs between 800 and 900 pounds. The granite boulder it is secured to weighs about 15,000 pounds.

Palmer specializes in large public works of art, works that put "an artistic expression out where people can touch it, feel the patterns and put their arms around it." He hopes the Wildcat will be a source of pride for the UNH community.

A new tradition—"Pat the 'Cat"—was created in 2006 as first-year students officially became “Wildcats” by touching the Wildcat sculpture for good luck.

Students are watched over by an attentive presence troughout their college years and during Commencement activities.

The Wildcat will welcome new generations of UNH students for many years to come.