Named in honor of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, Bernie takes center stage at Alvernia
Alvernia unveiled the name of its mascot, Bernie, during Maroon and Gold Night, celebrating the mascot鈥檚 connection to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, who founded the university in 1958 and continue to inspire its mission.
鈥淭he name Bernie honors our Bernardine Franciscan heritage and reflects the spirit of our founding Sisters,鈥 said 最新91制片厂 President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. 鈥淏ernie embodies the values of service, humility, and peacemaking that we cherish, while also representing the vibrant, inclusive community we are building together.鈥
Alvernia hosted a campus-wide contest inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters to submit name ideas for the mascot. Bernie emerged as the top choice, symbolizing a connection to the past and the university鈥檚 forward-looking vision. The naming contest is just one part of Alvernia鈥檚 efforts to engage the wider community and build upon university traditions.
The university also launched a voting contest to select a new look for Bernie, which will take place during Alvernia's Homecoming and Family Weekend. The revamped mascot costume will be revealed in Spring 2025.
鈥淏ernie is not just a mascot but a reminder of what it means to be part of Alvernia,鈥 said Bill Stiles, associate vice president for athletics. 鈥淔rom cheering on our Golden Wolves to inspiring our community to serve others, Bernie is the embodiment of our Franciscan values and a unifying figure on campus.鈥
In addition to unveiling the mascot鈥檚 name, Alvernia revealed a unique backstory for Bernie, connecting the mascot to the legendary Wolf of Gubbio.
Bernie will be a prominent figure at upcoming university events, always ready to lend a paw in support of the Golden Wolves athletics teams and serve as a symbol of kindness and service.
