Schenectady, N.Y. (June 14, 1998) – The senior class gift – a mascot in the form of a “Dutchperson” – made its debut on campus last week.
President Roger Hull welcomed the new mascot costume, which was worn by a member of the junior class.
The mascot – known as “Dutch” — has an oversized head and yellow hair, a garnet shirt (the College color) emblazoned with a “U,” blue breeches, and Dutch clogs. It was presented with a shirt bearing the number “98.”
It's “sort of androgynous,” says Ruthie Strosberg '98, coordinator of the senior gift. “The gender is in the eye of the beholder.”
“We hope this becomes a tradition,” she said. “This could be the (senior) gift that is really special.”
“Dutch” is expected to appear at athletic events and a number of other college functions.