The Enduring Legacy of Rowan University's Logos and Mascots: A Visual History

Rowan University, a public research university with campuses in Glassboro, Stratford, and Camden, New Jersey, has a rich history dating back to its establishment as the Glassboro Normal School in 1923. Over the years, the university has undergone several transformations, marked by changes in its name, academic programs, and visual identity, including its logos and mascots. This article delves into the evolution of Rowan University's logos and mascots, from its early days as a teacher's college to its current status as a comprehensive university.

From Normal School to University: A Century of Growth

In the early 20th century, New Jersey faced a shortage of trained teachers, prompting the establishment of a two-year Normal school in the southern part of the state. Glassboro was chosen as the location due to its accessibility via passenger rail and the town's offer to donate 25 acres of land for the school's construction.

In September 1923, the Glassboro Normal School opened its doors, welcoming 236 students. The institution quickly gained recognition for its pioneering programs in special education, including reading disabilities (1935) and physical therapy (1944). As the college expanded its curriculum and offerings, it underwent several name changes, becoming the New Jersey State Teachers College at Glassboro in 1937 and Glassboro State College in 1958.

A pivotal moment in the college's history occurred in 1967 when President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin held a summit conference at Hollybush Mansion on the Glassboro campus, bringing international attention to the institution.

In 1992, a transformative $100 million gift from industrialist Henry M. Rowan, Jr., and his wife Betty propelled the college to new heights. In recognition of their generosity, the school was renamed Rowan College of New Jersey. The gift stipulated the establishment of a College of Engineering, which further expanded the college's academic offerings. In 1997, the institution achieved university status and officially became Rowan University.

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The "Prof": A Symbol of Education and Transformation

The Rowan University "Professorial Owl" has been a dynamic symbol for 50 years. The biggest question from people, linked academically to Rowan or not, would have to be "What is a Prof?" Being that Rowan University was originally the Glassboro Normal School and then the New Jersey's State Teacher’s College at Glassboro, this establishment has always been known for its roots tied to creating educators. In 1959, Don Pasquale sketched the first rendition of the Prof and just one year later, Claude DiGenova was the first person to don the Prof costume. It had been noted that, originally, the Prof was not a popular mascot. It was not menacing or daring as other team’s mascots were but the students decided it was better to be unique and held onto the Prof, even though the first costume made was often times mistaken for a chicken. The 1970’s proved to be a disappointing revision of the Prof. In the early 1980’s, the Prof began appearing all over campus, not just at athletic events. From 1983 to 1987, the student paper, The Whit, created a simple image of the Prof to grace its banner. In 1985, the live mascot was revived after the 1970’s lull. Brian Kass was the man to wear the costume but since the old one was discarded, where would he get one? In 1987, The Prof also made his way into on-campus events. That same year the Prof became the yearbook’s image of interest. Since this mascot or costume were not officially instated by Glassboro State College at the time, Kass would find himself running around at football games and track meets unannounced and, to a certain extent, unwelcome. In the 1990’s, Rowan’s athletic teams were doing exceptionally well and it was proof that an official, standard for the Prof was needed for uniforms and equipment. The new Prof steered away from the “teacherly” attributes like his graduation cap and glasses and instead was pumped up with muscles, a jersey and a solid look of pride in his eyes. In 1996, Chris Cullman and Rob Cappoli added color to the design. In 2006, Athletic Director Joy Solomen called for yet another redesign of the Prof - one which she hoped would better emulate an athletic appearance for Rowan’s sports teams. To this day, the Prof carries on his legend with a wingspan of history more intriguing than most fellow mascots.

Whoo RU: The Beloved Owl Mascot

Whoo got his first name because of the sound owls make. They usually hoot five times: whoo, whoo-whoo-whoo, whoo but they can also range from three to six hoots. Owls are known for their prominent eyes, haunting screech and extraordinary “wisdom”. They can see in the dark and are not afraid to take on large prey. At one time, people believed that owls had supernatural powers. Rowan’s fans are convinced that Whoo actually does have such powers. Owls are more often heard than seen. Whoo RU can be seen flying around at Rowan athletic events and cheering on the teams.

Clearing Up Misconceptions

When it comes to Rowan University’s school colors and mascot, there have been “a lot of myths” over the years, said Dr. Thomas Gallia ’66, M’67, M’70. One of the biggest of these myths is that Glassboro’s team name has always been the Profs. In fact, Glassboro Normal School had been in operation for nearly 25 years by the time the school’s athletic teams became known as the Profs. Another myth is that the owl mascot is synonymous with the Prof name. The team name “Profs” dates back at least to 1948, inspired by Glassboro Normal School’s earliest beginnings. For the first several years of the Profs’ existence, the mascot wasn’t an owl at all. The owl first came into the picture in 1955, when Glassboro cheerleaders sold “Professor Owl” stuffed animals as a fundraiser. The likeness of Professor Owl has been reimagined over the decades, often by student artists and designers. Throughout the 1980s, Professor Owl began to appear at campus events beyond athletic competitions. One final misconception Gallia highlighted is the belief that brown and gold have always been Glassboro’s colors. The most widely accepted inspiration for the brown and gold colors Glassboro has used for most of its hundred-year history is the brown-eyed Susan. The story, attributed to longtime Glassboro employee Edie Huston, is that R. In 1956, further problems procuring uniform fabric again put school colors back on the radar.

A Lamp of Knowledge

A traditional symbol of enlightenment, the lamp’s rendering on the gonfalon is a classical form which existed with little change into the 19th Century. Its practical uses for shedding light or preserving a flame to ignite others makes the ancient device appropriate as a contemporary symbol of education’s best purposes. The use of three lamps on the gonfalon suggests the three levels studied at Rowan: elementary, secondary and higher education. The repetition of the art also signifies the pedagogical fundamentals inherent in each course of study that link them together and build upon one another in the College of Education.

The Centennial History Book: A Treasure Trove of Visuals

Vintage photos, nostalgic memorabilia and archival documents help tell the story of daily life during Rowan University's century of transformation in a new hardcover coffee-table book. Published in commemoration of Rowan’s Centennial, the volume recounts the school’s development from a mere idea into the nation’s fourth fastest-growing public research institution. Spanning more than 350 pages and 1,000 photos and illustrations, “100 Years Forward: The History of Rowan University” tells the story of an institution founded to prepare elementary teachers for southern New Jersey schools. Decades-old dance cards, Depression-era paychecks, archival clippings and snapshots from each generation help authenticate the history of the school and its community, now encompassing multiple campuses of the top 100 public university.

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A Labor of Love

Thoughtfully designed and lovingly written, the book is the result of a 14-year collective effort of Rowan University staff, alumni, retirees, faculty and even their family members, many who attended an invitation-only book launch held in October in the Eynon Ballroom at the Chamberlain Student Center.

“This is a story of a state institution, but it is primarily the story of individual people who loved- and love-our institution and how they made it possible for us to be here today,” said its editor, Lori Marshall, assistant vice president for University Relations and an alumna.

Unveiled by President Ali Houshmand and Rowan University Trustee and alumnus Tom Gallia, the colorful and hefty tome-slightly more than five pounds-drew applause and cheers from special guests, who included founding deans and Edward Wolfe, a legendary and beloved English professor from 1959 until 1994.

Celebrating both the book and the people whose story it tells, Houshmand said, “This is really a beautiful book and I am beyond proud of this record of our last 100 years. Anyone who has been a part of this institution will feel the same way.”

The book’s chapters are divided by the institution’s seven presidents and embellished with essays, personal stories, art and artifacts contributed by alumni and others. Chapters covering the first 50 years were largely drawn from “More Than Cold Stone” by Robert Bole, reissued this year with new photos by Rowan University Press.

A Visual Journey Through Time

From a photo of the original “Torch of Knowledge” to a detailed listing of the most abundant tree species on the main Glassboro campus, the book is a thoroughly researched and authoritative reference for all who consider themselves part of the Rowan community. It provides context for the details of life on campus-long-ago dress codes and curfews, curriculum and clubs-as well as how national and world events affected the school.

The University’s official colors of brown and gold are represented throughout the book, including in the embossed cover and binding’s headband. Graphic elements were inspired by original architectural details found at Bunce Hall, the first academic building on campus, and at Hollybush Mansion, built in 1849 as the home of the Whitney family.

“Rowan’s new history book is amazing,” Gallia said. “Starting with its book jacket and spanning all 352 pages, it is a work of art. I got my copy four days ago and I am already on my second reading.”

Bob Zazzali, former senior vice president for administration and alumnus, said he “could not help but feel a great sense of pride and belonging” following the book’s release.

“The book bring(s) my 52-plus years at GSC, RC and RU back into focus and revives a deep fondness for what was-and is-a major part of my life,” said Zazzali, referring to the school’s name changes during the last five decades from Glassboro State College to Rowan College to Rowan University.

A Commitment to Sustainability

With a limited press run of just 4,000 copies, “100 Years Forward” was printed by Schmitz Press in Baltimore. Rowan offset 41,126 pounds of paper used for the production of the book by planting 495 trees in the United States with PrintReLeaf forestry partners. SGS International audits the trees for eight years to ensure their survival. The book is available for $50 at the University’s Barnes & Noble store on Rowan Boulevard or online.

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