October 2008

George Scores with Spirited New Look

By Julie Parmley

With his dapper three-piece buff-and-blue suit, ruffled necktie, and tri-corner hat, GW’s new man around campus is hard to miss.
George—who is celebrating his 60th year as GW’s mascot—debuted this summer from his latest facelift, thought to be his fifth.

“So far the reaction has been great,” says GW Spirit Program Director Nicole Macchione-Early. “George definitely looks more modern and competitive.” She says that after 20 years, the previous George was more than ready for retirement.

The new George is decked out in buff and blue. His jacket and pants are blue with buff trim and metallic buttons, and he sports a pale blue sash and tri-corner hat with the GW logo, which Macchione-Early says is a nod to the Colonial Army. While his clothes are similar in style to his previous outfit, she says the mascot is now made of a new felt material, and his foam head has a fuzzy material over it that gives it a “plush and soft look” and allows for easier cleaning.

“We wanted to make him fan friendly but still competitive and fierce looking,” says Macchione-Early. The new look was the result of eight months of research and assembly.

The oldest of the GW Spirit Program’s three mascots, George made his debut at a 1948 GW football game. (The 10-foot-tall Big George was introduced in the 1990s, while the Hippo, who stands at eight feet, was adopted in 2001.) Macchione-Early says George first had a “cartoon” look, and in the 1960s and 1970s his face was modeled to look like George Washington’s. In the 1980s and 1990s, he often showed up to basketball games ready to play in a jersey and shorts.

“As George has evolved, he has become more colorful and his features have become bigger,” says Macchione-Early. “The changes in recent years have given him more mass appeal.”

But some things have not changed. George never talks and is always animated. He shakes hands, gives hugs, poses for pictures, and always salutes during the national anthem. He can be seen at sports and student events, wandering around campus, and has even made appearances at weddings, birthday parties, and dinners.

“GW students are proud to be here and are spirited and passionate,” says Macchione-Early. “George is a leader for all our fans and students, not just our athletes. He truly is the embodiment of our school and what it means to be a Colonial.”

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu