A tremendous thanks to all L&C community members who participated in the voting. It was an impressive showing! Approximately 52 percent of current students, 60 percent of employees and 16 percent of alumni (for whom we have current email addresses) voted. 6,475 ballots were cast: 1,820 from students (28 percent of the total), 489 from employees (8 percent of the total) and 4,166 from alumni and trustees (64 percent of the total). Here is a detailed look at how the ranked choice voting “rounds” played out.
The excitement on campus has been amazing to witness. Engagement included: an enthusiastic response at the mascot booth at the Student Engagement Extravaganza (SEE) Fair, where free stickers of your favorite mascot finalist were a hot item; a mascot-themed trivia night hosted by Associated Student Body (ASB); person-on-the-street interviews with students about their top pick; and, an impassioned head-to-head debate by members of L&C’s Speech and Debate team. Employees and alumni stayed highly engaged throughout the process as well, sharing their perspectives and their feedback, as well as voicing excitement for their preferred mascot choice.
Read more about the mascot engagement process, including FAQs here.
Why River Otters Rule
The river otter is known for being smart, scrappy, and full of joy. Collaboration and navigating challenges with grit and creativity are among river otters’ outstanding qualities. River otters bring both spirit and substance: they are playful, a little goofy, and undeniably cute, but they are also deeply committed to teamwork and are fierce when needed. The river otter’s commitment, nonconformity, optimism and other notable traits resonated with the majority of L&C community members who voted: alumni, employees and students alike.
Next Steps in Becoming the Lewis & Clark River Otters
L&C will be working with an outside creative agency on the design of the new river otter mascot. We expect to reveal the mascot artwork in February or March 2026, at which point official merchandise will be available.
There will be several otterly amazing opportunities to get creative with the new mascot between now and then. You ott to consider offering your input during the design process! If you want to get involved, fill out this Google form.
Focus on Athletics
Lewis & Clark Athletics is excited for the transition to a new mascot. To allow student-athletes and coaches to remain focused on competition, teams currently in season will continue to compete under the Pioneers nickname until the conclusion of their fall schedules. Winter teams will begin their upcoming seasons as the River Otters! Starting in 2026, every Lewis & Clark varsity program will compete under the River Otters nickname.
We have been incredibly moved by the robust participation of the L&C community in the voting process as well as by the outpouring of feedback we have received. To us, the community’s engagement in this process is a measure of just how much this place means to people.
A humble thanks to the community for placing your trust in us. We hope you are as excited as we are for what the future holds for the Lewis & Clark River Otters.
The new OtterBus route will enhance service for the 2026-27 academic year, balancing student mobility, equity, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility.
The certificate program approaches well-being from an integrated ecological perspective, teaching students how to work in and with nature using relational, somatic, verbal, spiritual, and artistic expressions.
Register now for this free professional development opportunity through our partnership with the Council of Independent Colleges via the Belong Community. There are only 6 spots available for L&C faculty and staff!
