New Clarke Mascot Comes in with a Roar

Clarke College unveiled its newly redesigned Crusader mascot today, following a year-long re-branding process. The new mascot, a lion named Cutlass T. Crusader (“Cuttie” for short), was introduced at a morning ceremony with the campus community in the College’s Robert and Ruth Kehl Center.

The lion concept was designed by junior graphic design major Kerrie Robinson, of Clinton, Iowa, and a new accompanying logo was designed by senior graphic design major Ben Resnick, of Dubuque, Iowa.

The winning designs were the result of a student competition to re-define the visual elements that represent the Crusaders. Champs, Clarke’s student-athlete organization, was charged with overseeing the process of selecting new imagery and, in turn, developed a student design competition.

Champs President Erin DiGangi sees the new mascot as fitting in nicely with Clarke’s focus as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. “We are confident that the new mascot will represent the values of the Champions of Character initiative: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership and Sportsmanship,” she said at the unveiling.

“Cuttie” Crusader will make his first appearances at games during this year’s Clarke College Holiday Tournament from December 27-31. To learn more about the tournament, visit www.clarke.edu.