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Pounce
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Pounce de Lion served as the mascot for the University of Waterloo Student Alumni Association from 1982 to 1995 and has also been recognized as the mascot for the University of Waterloo Alumni Affairs.
Commonly referred to as Pounce, the mascot officially received his name in 1987, following the "What's My Name?" contest. A panel of judges, which included students, alumni, faculty, and staff, selected the winning entry from over 200 submissions. The winning entry was submitted by Professor Don D. Roberts. Prior to the contest, the mascot was nameless.
Pounce was said to have jumped off the University of Waterloo crest and has been described as a six-foot, cuddly, furry-faced lion. He is brothers with King Warrior, the University of Waterloo Athletics mascot, and Jerome, St. Jerome’s University’s mascot. Pounce is reportedly the older and wiser of the brothers.
During his tenure, Pounce participated in many events on and off campus representing the spirit of the University over all faculties with his friendly demeanor.
In addition to personal appearances, caricatures drawn in Pounce’s likeness were used by the alumni association to promote events and activities on campus. These caricatures were drawn by campus artist Frank Esch. Esch drew Pounce in dozens of poses, from holding a tennis racket to a newspaper in his paws.
By 1987, these caricatures were so popular that some began to copy his picture without permission. As a result, the Alumni office applied to obtain a trademark for Pounce and issued a UW News release asking people to please request permission to use Pounce’s image.
Two lion costumes were used for Pounce between 1982 and 1995, both of which are held by the University of Waterloo Archives.
In the early 1990s, plush toys of Pounce were available for purchase in the Open Door gift shop in South Campus Hall. The small plush could be bought for $17.99 and the larger twelve-inch plush toy could be purchased for $21.99.
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Sources
UW news. Release no. 49. (March 13, 1987). Information Services, University of Waterloo. Call number: UWA 0300
UW news. Release no. 173. (July 24, 1987). Information Services, University of Waterloo. Call number: UWA 0300
Water under the bridge: 1987 beyond the villages by Chris Redmond and Simon the Troll.
Welcoming back the pride: Alumni Relations
Gazette. University of Waterloo. Wednesday, February 6, 1991 (v.31, n.21). Call number: UWA 0260
Information via Alumni Relations