Welcome to #RaiderRevolution!
For much of 2024, the Office of Communications and Rutgers Newark students have worked to rebrand the new mascot. Students developed the story and background. They were asked, “What is its personality? What is its major? What are its interests? What does it wear? How does it move? Does it dance? We want[ed] to personify it.'' says Kimberlee Williams, Rutgers-Newark Director of Communications and Marketing in the Office of Communications. What has emerged is the confident, dapper and fun Scarlet Raider Fox that you see today.
Later additional partnerships emerged. Award-winning students at Newark School of Fashion and Design, a Newark public high school that is partnered with Parsons School of Design. Design schools students and instructors took the lead to create distinctive apparel and accessories featuring the mascot, which will be sold in an exclusive online store presented by Rutgers University-Newark. The student-designed items will create an engaging presence for the new Scarlet Raider Fox on campus and throughout the City of Newark.
Introducing The Scarlet Raider!
A Timeline
The Scarlet Raider serves as a symbol of school spirit and pride, actively engaging with students, alumni, and fans at various events. The mascot’s evolution reflects the university’s commitment to inclusivity and student involvement, embodying the dynamic and diverse culture of Rutgers University–Newark. Here is a timeline of how the mascot came to be.
2017
Introduction of the Scarlet Raider Fox
• The student body at Rutgers University–Newark voted to adopt a fox as the campus mascot, symbolizing cleverness, resilience, and intelligence.
• Graphic design students from the School of Arts and Sciences–Newark’s Arts, Culture, and Media department created the initial design of the fox mascot.
• The fox mascot, named the Scarlet Raider, began appearing as a costumed character at athletic events and admissions activities.
2019
Official Unveiling of the Scarlet Raider Mascot
• On November 6, 2019, Rutgers University–Newark officially unveiled the first-ever Scarlet Raider mascot, marking a significant milestone in the university’s history.
2024
Mascot Revitalization Initiative
• The Office of Communications initiated a project to revamp the Scarlet Raider mascot to better reflect the dynamic and diverse culture of Rutgers University–Newark.
• Collaborations were established with students from the Newark School of Fashion and Design and Rutgers Business School to redefine the mascot’s style and identity. Aparel was also created to be sold in February, 2024.
Go Shopping! Introducing Scarlet Raider Apparel!
http://rutgersnewarkfashion.allcolorsllc.com
Your Questions Answered
Accordion Content
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RU-N has traditionally been known as the "Scarlet Raiders" but has never had an physical representation of this image to celebrate and rally around during community events. The presence of a mascot was requested by students, alumni, and community members to symbolize and promote RU-N spirit.
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Yes, Rutgers University-Newark will still be known as the "Scarlet Raiders." The mascot is a visual and physical representation of the "Scarlet Raider.
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While Rutgers is one University, New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark each have a unique way of celebrating their campus identity.
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Representatives from Student Governing Association (SGA), Student Affairs, Development, Alumni Engagement, Athletics and the Chancellor's Office met to discuss a plan for the development of a Rutgers University-Newark mascot. Voting was open to undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
Meet Your New Mascot!
As we embark on this transformative journey to introduce a new mascot at Rutgers University-Newark, we’re proud to call this transition the “Raider Revolution.” It’s basically “Evolution” but with an “R.” (#RutgersThings) However, the term "revolution" perfectly captures the energy, progress, and renewal that we’re bringing to our beloved Raider mascot. It’s more than just a change in appearance; it’s a significant, campus-wide evolution that honors our past while embracing a fresh new chapter for the future.
A mascot transition of this scale is a rare event on college campuses, and we’re thrilled to bring this fresh and dynamic change to Rutgers-Newark. This journey represents growth and evolution that allows us to breathe new life into a cherished symbol of school spirit.
Join us on February 19 from 2:30PM - 3:50PM in the PRCC Essex Room to meet your new mascot!