Mascot a better fit for all students
The Gryphon statue, situated at the entrance to the University of Guelph campus on Stone Road and Gordon Street, will be replaced by a statue of the University’s official mascot, Gryph.
Since the statue was built, there have been mixed reactions and emotions expressed by students and community members. While many people have enjoyed the presence of the statue, a large contingent of people felt that it did not represent the Guelph Gryphons in all of their true glory.
In response to the debates happening all around campus, students in favour of changing the Gryphon statue to one of the mascot began a social media campaign that quickly went viral. The hashtag #NotMyGryph was used over seven million times on various forms of social media, acting as the catalyst for the eventual change.
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“In making this decision, we have taken into account all the different opinions and perspectives surrounding the statue,” said Barrett Biggleman, the University of Guelph’s director of statue relations, at a press conference on Mon, Dec. 5.
“After an extensive investigation, we have decided that the best fit for a statue that truly represents the Gryphons would be one of our beloved mascot; Gryph.”
Those present at the conference cheered in excitement as they gathered around the statue. Across the street, others protested and booed as the announcement took place. This has been a controversial decision and a new statue could either unite or divide the entire campus.
Biggleman announced that the new statue would be erected in the coming weeks, with the official unveiling taking place when students return to classes on Jan. 9.
The mascot statue will truly be a symbol of hope for the Gryphons. Gryph has been a rock for all students through many hard times. From cheering at games to offering up hugs in the library, Gryph has been there through it all.
Photos by Mariah Bridgeman.
Barrett Biggleman
I demand a recount.
What an absolute shame changing a beautiful statue, of a gryphon, to a cartoon character. Hate to tell you but you aren’t in elementary school anymore people. Sheesh!!!
Hi Rhonda! The current Gryphon statue is going nowhere—this article is part of our satirical issue “The Contrarion.”
Wow. Shocking that this gorgeous unique statue is going to be got rid of. So many people seem to enjoy it! But lots of students do not like it and want another, different, better one. Talk about a first world problem. Piteous.
Hi Linda—Don’t worry! This is just a satirical article from “The Contrarion” issue of our newspaper.
Haha – you got me!!! I am glad.