Bernava

Every university has its traditions, but few have a story as spirited as Rochester Institute of Technology’s beloved mascot. From its earliest days as the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute, RIT searched for a symbol that could capture the energy, pride, and creativity of its students. What emerged was the tiger, a figure that has been drawn, redesigned, paraded, and even embodied in costume over more than a century.

This chapbook traces the evolution of ＂Spirit,＂ RIT’s mascot, from the first student sketches and ramshackle appearances to the modern, bold tiger that rallies fans today. Along the way, readers will discover forgotten mascots, student-led campaigns, and the cultural shifts that shaped how RIT represents itself to the world. The first in the RIT Archives Chapbook Series, this volume brings campus history to life through photographs, archival documents, and stories preserved in the RIT Archives. Spirit is more than a mascot: it is a mirror of the community’s resilience, creativity, and pride.