There’s something about a Husky that just screams loyalty, leadership, and fighting spirit—qualities that the University of Connecticut has embodied with pride for more than 90 years.
From live dogs running the sidelines to costumed mascots energizing crowds, the UConn Huskies mascot has evolved into a cherished tradition that runs blue and white. However, behind those icy blue eyes is a storied history of blunders, makeovers, and political reversals.
What Is the UConn Huskies Mascot?
The official mascot of the University of Connecticut is Jonathan the Husky. It was named after the last colonial governor of Connecticut, Jonathan Trumbull, and also for the state mascot.
The college has not one but two Jonathans: a live Siberian Husky and a dressed-up version in attendance, dancing and performing at athletic events. This tradition started in 1934, when the students voted to adopt a Husky as the official symbol of the university. The first Jonathan arrived soon after, a present from alumni motivated by the school’s new nickname, “Huskies.”
The early years weren’t smooth. Jonathan I tragically departed this life in 1935 after being hit by a car. But the university did not allow that loss to be in vain. A student movement brought back the tradition.
Happy #NationalMascotDay our favorite 2 doggos!#BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/8hlqUwMilQ
— UConn Huskies (@UConnHuskies) June 17, 2019
The legacy lived on through generations of Huskies, each with the name Jonathan followed by a Roman numeral. Through the years, the mascot became a part of UConn’s identity. He’s cheered on national championship games, snowstorms, and everything else.
Nowadays, the student organization Alpha Phi Omega (APO) takes care of the live mascot. He takes good care of Jonathan and has him make appearances at important university events and games.
The new Jonathan, officially Jonathan XV, was unveiled in January 2020. He also has a split shift with his older counterpart, Jonathan XIV, who is now half-retired. For a short time, the duo made news for being the sole live mascot pair in Division I athletics.
The costume rendition of Jonathan also doesn’t hurt. Famous for high-fives, flips, and lots of personality, the Jonathan in the suit is a must-see at Gampel Pavilion and Pratt & Whitney Stadium. In 2021, he even received a complete remake. This made him a more streamlined, athletic model to complement the dynamism of UConn’s dominant athletic programs.
Why Was the UConn Huskies Mascot?
The reason for the Husky being UConn’s mascot is not by chance—it’s an homage to regional identity and school spirit. When UConn went by Connecticut Agricultural College, students desired a new image to reflect the school’s increasing visibility.
In 1933, a student referendum advocated for a mascot, and by 1934, the Husky was selected to symbolize the tenacity and persistence of the student body. With their New England-pleasing fur coats and stamina, Huskies were the obvious choice.
At the time, the university needed a distinctive and adaptable symbol for sports and academic branding. The name “Huskies” itself was catchy and easy to chant, and the addition of a live animal made it all the more real. According to university archives, the very first Jonathan was a black-and-white Siberian Husky with bright blue eyes. He quickly won the hearts of students and faculty.
The Jonathans built their reputations over the years. He famously chased away Brown University’s live bear mascot in 1947, securing his place in UConn history. Another once refused to step onto the basketball court, displaying the stubbornness that only made students adore him more.
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The mascot evolved beyond the status of a dog. It inspired the athletic dynasties at UConn, particularly for the men’s and women’s basketball programs in the 1990s and 2000s. National visibility brought more scrutiny to the Jonathans, who were groomed, trained, and paraded around like royalty on campus.
The mascot’s latest redesign in 2021 added a bolder and more contemporary appearance to keep pace with UConn Athletics’ changing brand.
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