MASCOT PROFILE

Mo Hawk

Mohawk Valley Community College

Share your support for your favorite mascot!

Tweet

1. Where are you from?
   My original nest was at New York’s first community college in Utica. Now split my time between MVCC campuses in Utica and Rome, N.Y.
2. How many teams do you represent?
   At MVCC, I represent 22 men’s and women’s teams full of national champions and All-Americans.
3. How were you chosen to be school mascot?
   I flew in to replace our old hawk mascot, who retired to a bird sanctuary in 2012. I was chosen by the student body because of my sharp eye, predatory ways, and perseverance. They named me Mo, which makes perfect sense, since I represent Mohawk Valley. I knew from the beginning that I could help the MVCC Hawks soar to greater heights.
4. Do you have any friends that are mascots?
   Yes, my newest friend, Audie, is the mascot for the Utica Comets hockey team. And I’m proud of my old friend, Blitz, who just went to the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
5. What is your favorite campus event?
   There are so many! I love March Madness because it is so exciting, but Orientation, Completion Day and Commencement are also great events for mingling with students. I also love community events like the Boilermaker Road Race and Expo. Last year, runners were stopping in their tracks during the race to take photos with me. It was a blast.
6. What do you consider the ideal fan?
   The ideal fan is someone with a lot of enthusiasm and MVCC spirit who likes to soar with our national champions in cross country, soccer, tennis, and bowling.
7. What’s it like to be a mascot?
   It does my heart good to see the spirit our students show when I’m visible on campus. I’d say that in the community, I’m also pretty well-known. It’s always flattering when students or community members want to have their picture taken with me. Sometimes, little kids are scared of me, though, and I have to show them that I’m a friendly Hawk.
8. What do you like to do for fun?
   I love visiting with my fellow Hawks throughout the MVCC campus, including our baby Hawks in the Kiddie Campus Daycare Program. In my spare time, I like to visit the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, and the Utica Zoo. Sometimes, I just like to curl up in my nest and read Audubon Magazine.
9. What is your favorite Broadway play?
   My favorite of all time is “Bye Bye Birdie,” but I also love “La Cage Aux Folles.”  “Shrek” is my favorite color, and I like “Cats,” too, but it always makes me hungry.
10. What is your favorite New York State destination?
    My favorite spot in New York State is Hawk's Nest, a scenic location outside Port Jervis. Its name is derived from the birds of prey that nest in the area, and I like to get back to visit my old perch from time to time. But I also love Utica for the unique food, like greens, chicken riggies and tomato pie!