Ramapo College announced a mascot change on Tuesday, April Fool’s Day. Bidding farewell to Rocky the Roadrunner, the college said hello to the yet-to-be-named Ramaduck, Ramapo’s new bright yellow feathered-friend.
Ramapo students passing through The Grove in the morning would have seen giant inflatable yellow ducks strewn across the courtyard. The advertising screens across campus announced the change and the campus Dunkin’ Donuts and Common Grounds sold special yellow drinks to celebrate the occasion.
Our very own Rocky was spotted sulking around campus looking sullen and lonely contemplating his retirement and subsequent replacement.
At noon, the Ramapo Community received an email from the Office of the President welcoming the new mascot.
“As a community that has long-valued student voice and engagement, the time has come for us to migrate to a Ramapo College mascot that better reflects our student-centered ethos,” the email read.
Throughout the day, students were invited to take photos with the inflatable ducks, try the limited edition drinks and get free yellow R donuts for comforting Rocky during these trying times.
A table was set up in The Grove where students could receive a limited edition Ramaduck — a Ramapo branded rubber duck — get a temporary tattoo and enter a contest to name the college’s new mascot. Students were also able to join the RCNJ Birding Club for a birdwatching walk.
President Cindy Jebb noted the campus’ obsession with miniature ducks in recent months that have been spotted in classrooms, on railings and ledges, and hidden in campus common spaces.
“The spirit of fun and creativity behind this student-led movement is something we truly value, and we want to celebrate it in an enduring way,” Jebb stated.
The college issued a press release about the historic change littered with duck puns. Hidden throughout the press release were bolded letters that spelled out “April Fools Day.”
jhammer@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Jessica Hammer
