The Enduring Spirit of Barnard: A Look at Millie the Dancing Bear and College Traditions

Barnard College, a distinguished women's liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University, boasts a rich history and vibrant campus culture. Beyond its rigorous academics and commitment to women's education, Barnard is known for its unique traditions and symbols, most notably its beloved mascot, Millie the Dancing Bear. This article delves into the history of Barnard's mascot, exploring its origins, evolution, and significance within the college community.

The Genesis of Barnard College

Barnard College was established in 1889 as a direct response to Columbia University's refusal to admit women to its undergraduate programs. A group of determined women, led by student activist Annie Nathan Meyer, successfully petitioned Columbia's trustees to create an affiliated college for women. Honoring Frederick A.P. Barnard, Columbia's tenth president and a staunch advocate for coeducation, the college was named in his honor.

From Frederick A.P. Barnard to Millie the Bear: The Evolution of a Mascot

While Frederick A.P. Barnard is the namesake of the college, the mascot, Millie the Dancing Bear, adds a playful and spirited dimension to Barnard's identity. The tradition of having a student embody Millie began approximately 15 years ago. The name "Millie" is a heartfelt homage to Millicent McIntosh, Barnard's first president, commemorating her contribution and impact on the institution. The bear image itself is said to have been derived from the family coat of arms of Frederick A.P. Barnard.

The Selection and Secret Life of Millie

The selection process for students who will portray Millie is carefully curated. The college seeks students who embody the spirit of Barnard: those who are outgoing, reliable, and possess a genuine love for the college and a desire to spread that enthusiasm. As Associate Dean for Student Life Alina Wong aptly puts it, Barnard looks for those who "love Barnard and want to spread the love."

One of the most intriguing aspects of being Millie is the veil of secrecy that surrounds the role. Keeping Millie's identity a secret is a significant challenge for many students. The secrecy is officially lifted at graduation rehearsal, during a video presentation where the names of the current year's Millies are revealed.

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Becoming Millie: A Transformation

Donning the Millie costume is a transformative experience. The costume includes a fur-covered body, gloves, paws, and a head. There is a specific order for putting on the fur-covered body, gloves, paws, and head: Pull the body up to your hips, slide your hands through the shoulder straps and get zipped in, then slide into the feet and the hands. Last, put on the head. A staff member accompanies Millie to compensate for the limits the costume imposes on eyesight and mobility.

The interior of the costume has been described as an "inferno." Appearances are usually kept to an hour; at longer events, the Millies take turns. Despite the physical challenges, students who have portrayed Millie speak of the joy and connection they experience while in character.

Millie's Role in College Life

Millie is a ubiquitous presence at Barnard events, spreading school spirit and fostering a sense of community. She can be found at events such as Midnight Breakfast and Spirit Day. Alumnae and students give you high-fives, President dances with you, and everyone wants to be in a picture with you.

Millie embodies the spirit of Barnard, allowing students to embrace a sense of playfulness and camaraderie. Courtney Muller ’10 loved entering a room as Millie and seeing the excitement on people’s faces.

Barnard Traditions: More Than Just a Mascot

Barnard's traditions extend beyond Millie the Bear, creating a unique and memorable college experience.

Midnight Breakfast

Midnight Breakfast marks the beginning of finals week. As a highly popular event and long-standing college tradition, Midnight Breakfast is hosted by the student-run activities council, McAC (McIntosh Activities Council). In addition to providing standard breakfast foods, each year's theme is also incorporated into the menu. Past themes have included "I YUMM the 90s," "Grease," and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." The event is a school-wide affair as college deans, trustees and the president serve food to about a thousand students.

Big Sub

Toward the beginning of each fall semester, Barnard College supplies a 700+ feet long subway sandwich. Students from the college can take as much of the sub as they can carry. The sub has kosher, dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan sections.

Greek Games

One of Barnard's oldest traditions, the Barnard Greek Games were first held in 1903, and occurred annually until the Columbia University protests in 1968. Since then they have been sporadically revived.

Take Back the Night

Each April, Barnard and Columbia students participate in the Take Back the Night march and speak-out. This annual event grew out of a 1988 Seven Sisters conference.

Barnard's Enduring Legacy

Barnard College has consistently produced remarkable alumnae who have made significant contributions to various fields. From science and politics to the arts and activism, Barnard graduates have shaped society and inspired future generations.

The Columbia Connection

Barnard's affiliation with Columbia University is a defining aspect of its identity. Barnard students have access to the academic, social, and extracurricular resources of Columbia, while maintaining their own distinct college community. This unique relationship allows Barnard students to benefit from the resources of a large research university while experiencing the close-knit environment of a women's liberal arts college.

A Complex Relationship

The relationship between Barnard and Columbia has evolved over time. While there were discussions about a potential merger, Barnard has remained an independent institution with its own faculty, board of trustees, and admissions process. Despite this independence, the two schools maintain a close relationship, sharing academic resources and allowing students to participate in activities on both campuses.

Athletics

Barnard athletes compete in the Ivy League (NCAA Division I) through the Columbia-Barnard Athletic Consortium, which was established in 1983. Through the arrangement, Barnard is the only women's college offering Division I athletics. There are 15 intercollegiate teams, and students also compete at the intramural and club levels.

A Look at Columbia's Mascot: Roar-ee the Lion

While Barnard has Millie the Bear, Columbia University's mascot is Roar-ee the Lion. The lion has been a longstanding unofficial symbol of the university, having frequently been used as a design motif on the university's campus even before its adoption. The idea of having a lion as the mascot of Columbia was first proposed by George Brokaw Compton at the April 5, 1910 meeting of the alumni association. Roar-ee the Lion is the current incarnation of the Columbia Lion, the official mascot of Columbia University and the Columbia Lions. Already a long established symbol of the university, it was first adopted as the university's mascot in 1910 under the name "Leo Columbiae", and was renamed Roar-ee the Lion in 2005.

The Columbia Lion famously inspired the creation of Leo the Lion, the mascot of the Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

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