Feature
A Mascot in the making
Wildcat Willie, JWU's beloved mascot, is a strong presence on JWU's four campuses. But don't
be deceived by his youthful appearance; Willie was born in the 1960s. Despite limited athletic
resources, the basketball team, coached by Jack Yena (now chairman of the board emeritus),
won the NJCAA regional championship and competed in the national tournament. Athletic
success was short lived when the Board of Directors voted to eliminate the program in the
early 1970s.
A resurgence of athletic interest returned in the early 1990s, and with it came a new mascot:
the Griffin, a mythological figure erroneously thought to be part of the university seal.
In 1996, JWU's Providence Campus became a member of the NCAA Division III, and the
successful program we know today was underway. The Griffin remained the mascot until
a movement by the entire JWU community succeeded in restoring the original wildcat as
mascot in 1997. The Wildcats were back!
MASCOT MAKEOVER:
Wildcat Willie through the years
Thanks to a universitywide mascot design competition, Providence Campus Graphic Design &
Digital Media major Devon Tsinzo '15 inspired Wille's updated look. When you attend your next
athletic event at any of the four campuses, join Willie in cheering on JWU's student-athletes.
Thanks to Willie, the Wildcat spirit has never been stronger.
