Ever since the mascot “Chief Illiniwek” was retired in 2007, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been without a mascot. 

However, with your help, that can change.  

The Alma Mater statue is arguably the most recognizable and loved part of the Illinois campus. Because of this, it should be apart of the UIUC mascot.

In 2019, “Alma Otter,” created by a group of Illinois students, was put on the ballot for the spring student election. However, “Alma Otter” did not win by just 300 votes.

Although “Alma Otter” lost three years ago, we believe that it is the rightful mascot of Illinois and should be given a second chance.