Amherst College has narrowed its list of possible mascots from 588 to 30. The college last year scrapped its longtime unofficial mascot, the Lord Jeffs.
BACKGROUND: Amherst College’s Lord Jeff: An Example Of Tradition, Irony Or Hate?
LAST JANUARY: Amherst College Boots Lord Jeff From Campus
The old mascot was based on Lord Jeffrey Amherst, the namesake of the town who also wrote letters suggesting biological warfare against Native Americans.
Amherst College formed a mascot committee and accepted nominations. Not making the cut: The Biddys (or Biddies), after the college’s president, Biddy Martin; or The Frosts, after Robert Frost — who taught at the school.
But in a town that also claims Emily Dickinson, the Poets — as well as the Fighting Poets — did make the list.
Also advancing: Purple & White, after the school’s colors; Hamster, an anagram of Amherst; and the A’s, because — as one student put it — “It is the letter our school starts with.”
After another round of deliberations, five finalists will emerge. Students, staff and alumni will vote in March.