A prominent California university is ending its nearly century-old mascot tradition after student criticism focused on the figure’s ties to the state’s colonial history.
The University of San Francisco announced Friday that “The Don” — a costumed character with a pencil mustache and green Spanish-style hat who has appeared on the sidelines since 1932 — will retire at the beginning of the spring 2027 semester.
The university plans to replace the mascot with a wolf, while its athletic teams will continue using the traditional “Dons” nickname.
The original mascot was created to honor Don Francisco de Haro, the first mayor of Yerba Buena, the settlement that later became San Francisco.
Although the Spanish title “Don” means “of noble origin,” the character became the subject of widespread debate in 2022. That year, USF’s student government approved a resolution calling for the mascot’s removal, arguing that it represented the exploitation and subjugation of California’s Indigenous communities.
A petition backing the effort collected more than 400 signatures. It called on university leaders to retire the colonial-era imagery and establish a joint task force to choose a successor.
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USF President Salvador Aceves described the change, announced alongside newly appointed athletic director Brent Blaylock, as a natural step in the university’s evolution.
“With new leadership at USF and in Dons Athletics, we believe the time is right to revitalize our image and embrace a new mascot, one that is known for its intelligence, endurance and ability to work cooperatively in its pack,” Aceves said. “At the same time, we will proudly remain the University of San Francisco Dons.”
Ariana Anayat, a former student government vice president who spearheaded the campaign four years ago, welcomed the decision. She said she was “elated” that the effort had finally produced a result.
The announcement nevertheless drew mixed reactions on campus. Several alumni expressed anger online, accusing the administration of needlessly altering decades of university athletics history.
University officials said the wolf will also reflect the school’s Jesuit identity. The design references the bronze “Los Lobos de Loyola” statues on campus, which portray the 15th-century family coat of arms of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Students and employees will be invited to provide input on the wolf costume’s final design in the coming months.
