Deacon
In 1917, after the Redlands football team embarrassed a rival school to the tune of 20-0, the opposing coach was quoted as saying, “The U of R football team might well be called the bulldogs of the conference for the fight they put into the game.” U of R welcomed the nickname. Later, in 1946, the University introduced its first official live bulldog mascot, Deacon—now commemorated with a statue that is fast becoming a favorite site for photo ops. Funds for the bronze landmark were raised by current students (many of whom were giving for the first time), alumni, and friends.