Q. How was the osprey chosen as the mascot for Stockton?

The osprey was selected as the mascot of Richard Stockton State College (now Stockton University) in January 1973. Professor Sandra Hartzog (then, Assistant Professor of Genetics) made the suggestion. In recommending the osprey, Professor Hartzog emphasized the seabird's local nesting areas and the college's emphasis on marine and environmental science.

To select the mascot, students submitted names in fall 1972. The College Council considered 45 options and voted on the osprey, which was accepted by college president Richard E. Bjork. The student paper, Argo, reported on the selection in the January 31, 1973 issue on page 9. The college publication, Stockton Chronicle, also reported on it in its inaugural February 12, 1973 edition on page 1.

For more information, including photos of the mascot over the years, please visit Special Collections on the lower level of Richard E. Bjork Library.