University Mascot

 University Traditions

The bison as a mascot was suggested by Dr. William Bartol in 1923 and was no doubt related to Bucknell's location in the Buffalo Valley. The Penn State football team was named for the lions that once roamed the beautiful Nittany Mountain nearby and Dr. Bartol's suggestion was thought to be appropriate and was immediately adopted. In 1946, a baby bison was presented to the booster club for the centennial homecoming game by John Shumberger of Allentown, Pa. Sadly, the bison lived only until the following spring.