Help choose the new look for ��ֱ��'s mascot

Alvernia is excited to extend to AU community members the opportunity to submit suggestions to choose the new look of Bernie, our Golden Wolf mascot.

Overview

Who Can Enter?

We invite students, faculty, staff, senior leadership, administrators, alumni, trustees and Bernardine Sisters to vote.

Consent to Participate

All entries must acknowledge and agree to the following:

I am a student, alum, faculty, staff, senior leadership, administrator, trustee, or Bernardine Sisters of ��ֱ��.
I have read all official contest rules and agree to abide by them as stated. I agree to be bound by and comply with these contest rules. I understand that all decisions of the ad hoc Committee and/or Dr. Fitzgerald with respect to any aspect of this contest, including, without limitation, the eligibility of entries, are final and binding on all entrants in all matters as they relate to this contest.
My mascot's name is original and has not been copied or plagiarized. By submitting an entry, I represent and warrant that: (a) I am not submitting any confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information and I understand that entry will not be treated as confidential by AU; (b) I am not submitting any content that contains software viruses, Trojan horses, worms, time bombs, bots or any other computer code or files that are designed to disrupt, damage, or limit the functioning of any software or hardware; (c) the entry is my original creation; (d) the entry does not violate any applicable law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation, or any agreement with any third party; and (e) the entry does not infringe upon or violate intellectual property or publicity rights held by any third party. AU may disqualify any entry that, in its sole discretion, violates these rules.
I agree that all rights to the mascot’s name, in part or whole, will be the property of ��ֱ��. By submitting an entry, I agree that all entries become property of AU and I hereby agree to irrevocably transfer and assign all rights, title and interest (including, but not limited to, any intellectual property rights, including trademarks and copyright rights) in any jurisdiction throughout the world) in the entry to AU for no additional payment. In the event that I am deemed to own any rights in or to the entry (or any portion thereof), I will sign whatever documents necessary to permanently and irrevocably transfer and assign all rights, title and interest to the entry to AU for no additional consideration.
If my mascot name is chosen, I understand and agree that ��ֱ�� may register for any trademark, service mark, or copyright purpose (at the University’s expense). ��ֱ�� will solely own such registration.
I give ��ֱ�� permission to publicly announce my name and photo for promotional purposes without compensation for my mascot name. I consent to the use of entry, by AU of my name, likeness, image, biographical information, any trademarks or service marks, and any personal data submitted with my entry, for any purposes related to the contest or the marketing, advertising or promotion thereof.
I understand that I will not receive any money, payment, royalties, or compensation from ��ֱ�� for my mascot name or all the rights to the mascot name selected by the university as the winning entry.
I understand that the university may terminate the mascot naming submissions at any time.
If my mascot name is selected, I agree to complete, sign, and execute any other documents necessary or reasonably requested by ��ֱ��.
I agree to indemnify and hold ��ֱ�� harmless against any claim demand, fine, penalty, judgment, loss, expense, or liability that may be made against or incurred by the university because of the failure or falsity of any of the representation and warranties listed herein, including, but not limited to, all costs, expenses, and legal fees. IN NO EVENT WILL AU BE LIABLE TO THE ENTRANT FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOSS OF USE, DATA, BUSINESS, OR PROFITS) ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTRANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTEST, WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY ARISES FROM ANY CLAIM BASED UPON CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER OR NOT AU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE.
AU may disqualify any entry that: (a) contains illegal, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate content; (b) was not created by the entrant, has been previously published or otherwise made public; or (c) contains sensitive confidential, personally identifiable, or proprietary information or other materials belonging to a third party. AU also may disqualify any entry that violates these rules.
AU assumes no responsibility for garbled, lost, late, undelivered, misdirected, incomplete, damaged, delayed, or destroyed entries or any technical issues with entry process (including, but not limited to, computer errors or malfunctions) or unauthorized or fraudulent interference with entry process and will void any entries on these bases. AU does not assume any responsibility for incorrect or inaccurate capture of entry information, technical malfunctions, human or technical error, seeding or printing errors, lost, delayed or garbled data or transmissions, omission, interruption, deletion, defect or failures of any telephone or computer line or network, computer equipment, software or any combination thereof. Entry materials-data that have been tampered with or altered are void. AU reserves its right to modify the rules without materially affecting the terms and conditions hereof. AU reserves its right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual they find to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the contest or to be acting in violation of the rules or otherwise in a disruptive manner. AU has the exclusive power to interpret the rules, and AU’s decisions regarding interpretation of the rules are final and binding on all participants.
I acknowledge that multiple participants may submit entries that contain designs, concepts, approaches, or technologies similar to my entry. I acknowledge and agree that AU’s actions with respect to another entry will not create any liability of any kind by AU to me or to others.
If any of this agreement is found to be unforeseeable or prohibitive, I understand the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
I agree and understand that this agreement shall be binding on the successors, heirs, assigns, and representatives of the parties.

I understand and agree that this agreement shall be interpreted according to the laws of Pennsylvania. Any action, suit or case arising out of, or in connection with, this contest or these rules must be brought in the state courts located in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

BY SUBMITTING AN ENTRY, I AM ACCEPTING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS STATED IN THESE RULES, AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE DECISIONS OF AU, AND WARRANTING THAT I AM ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONTEST AND HAVE ANY NECESSARY RIGHTS TO DO SO.

New Look, New Name

The revamped look follows a successful naming contest for the Golden Wolf. An ad hoc committee of faculty, staff, alums, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and students oversaw the mascot naming process.

Bernie's Backstory

Named in honor of the university’s foundresses, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, Bernie embodies the ��ֱ��’s Franciscan core values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality.

A distant relative of the legendary Wolf of Gubbio, Bernie shares its ancestor’s transformative journey. In the famed story, Saintt. Francis of Assisi tamed the fierce Wolf of Gubbio through peace and understanding, turning a feared creature into a symbol of reconciliation and harmony. Just as St. Francis tamed the wolf, Bernie represents a spirit of kindness and service that thrives at ��ֱ�� and carries on the tradition of peace, compassion, and leadership.

Raised in the forest surrounding ��ֱ��’s campus, Bernie learned early on to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of community. He thrives on helping others, embodying the Sisters' vision of serving the underserved, and leads by example, showing how small actions can have a big impact.

Bernie’s life on campus is driven by peacemaking, just as the Wolf of Gubbio learned to live in harmony with the townspeople. He is often seen at ��ֱ�� events, encouraging students to come together in unity and foster an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect. Bernie promotes humility through his quiet but steady leadership, and he reminds everyone that greatness is achieved not through pride, but through service to others.

Whether Bernie is cheering on the Golden Wolves at a game or lending a paw in community service, he is always guided by contemplation — pausing to reflect on the needs of others and the world around him. He encourages ��ֱ�� students to live thoughtfully, inspired by the Sisters’ tradition of reflection and spiritual growth.

Bernie’s message is simple but profound: together, we can create a compassionate world, one step at a time. With his warm golden fur, symbolic of both ��ֱ��’s bright future and its rich past, Bernie is the embodiment of the university’s values. He is more than the university’s mascot; he is a living reminder of ��ֱ��’s mission to develop ethical leaders with moral courage.

Catch Bernie at the next campus event — always ready with a friendly wave and a reminder of what it truly means to be a Golden Wolf!

Tips and Suggestions for the Naming Process

• Inclusivity: Create an inclusive mascot name that represents the diverse community at ��ֱ��. Consider the various academic disciplines, extracurricular activities, and cultural backgrounds that are the framework at the university. The mascot name must be gender-neutral.

• Connection to Mission and Values: Ensure that the created mascot name aligns with the mission and values of ��ֱ��. It should embody the principles we hold dear, whether related to education, community service, experiential learning, or personal development.

•&�Բ��;�ѱ𳾴ǰ��ٲ�: Select a mascot name that is easy to remember and pronounce. A memorable mascot name will stick with people and make a lasting impression, contributing to a strong sense of identity.

•&�Բ��;�ձ��پ��ٲ�: Create a mascot name that can be easily incorporated into various aspects of university branding, including publications, advertisements, the website, clothing, and facilities. The versatility of the mascot name will enhance its visibility and recognition.

• Historical and Cultural Significance: Create a mascot name with historical or cultural significance to the region or our university. This can add depth and meaning to the mascot, creating a connection with our heritage.

• Positive Connotations: Create a mascot name that conveys positive attributes and qualities. The mascot's name should inspire and uplift the community.

Naming Guidelines

• The mascot name suggestions should not include established product, service, character, or mascot names (i.e., SpongeBob, Mickey Mouse, etc.)

• Entrants may NOT post their submission on public sharing or social media websites like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YikYak, etc. until a selected mascot name has been announced. Violators will be disqualified.

• ��ֱ�� will refine the final mascot naming submission to adhere to all branding standards.

• Each individual may make only one formal mascot naming submission, but you are welcome to include as many suggestions for mascot names as you like in your single submission form.

• Any name that is deemed to be plagiarized will be immediately disqualified.

• All entries submitted will become the property of ��ֱ��.

Committee

Alvernia organized an ad hoc committee of faculty, staff, alumni, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, student-athletes and student leaders to evaluate each mascot naming submission.

The committee reviewed all mascot naming submissions and developed a list of potential options for discussion with key leadership groups from the university community. Following those meetings, the committee recommended unranked final mascot naming suggestions, along with a description of their respective advantages and disadvantages, to ��ֱ�� President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. The final decision was made by President Fitzgerald.

����ֱ��