Louisiana State University in Shreveport - Mascot

Mascot

"Pete the Pilot" was introduced to students in the fall of 2007 after a process that began in 2005 with the passage of a bill calling for a new mascot by the Student Government Association (SGA). The idea initially met resistance by the administration based upon cost, but was further pursued. He is a combination of steamboat pilot and pelican, which is the state bird of Louisiana. Students offered naming suggestions during student government elections in 2007, with a final decision made by a committee of students and faculty. The committee was composed of the Professor of the Year, the current SGA president, and a former SGA president representing the students, alumni and faculty of LSUS. The mascot was named in accordance with the majority opinion of students expressed during the vote.