From the Grey Ghost to the Blue Jay, Elizabethtown College’s beloved mascot has assumed many identities over the years. Even with the change, the students and alumni have kept the spirit and love of the College alive for over 100 years.
In the 1930s, the Etown basketball team was known as the “Galloping Grey Ghosts.” The name lasted 15 years before the campus decided it was time for a change. The concept of a Blue Jay as the mascot was voted on by the entire campus in 1950 with then-president of the Student Senate C. Frederick Horback ’53 creating the initial mascot design.
Etown’s unofficial mascot and honorary alumnus from 2016-24 was Conrad (or C-Jay for short), a brilliant-hued Blue Jay who resided at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove until his passing in August 2024. Conrad served as a Bird Ambassador at Mill Grove, where he loved socializing with visitors from his enclosure and at events!
Blue Jay Mascot History:
- 1930s – Etown’s basketball teams were called the “Galloping Grey Ghosts”
- 1945-46 – The College hosted a competition to create a name for all of its athletic teams. A vote by the student body results in choosing the Blue Jay due to the bird’s well-known fighting spirit characterizing the efforts shown by Etown’s teams in competition.
- 1950 – History major and president of the Student Senate, C. Frederick Horback ’53, designed the Blue Jay mascot. Beginning in 1950 and continuing for 70 years, the Blue Jay’s name was Sammy Blue Jay.
- 2020 – Sammy Blue Jay was re-named, Blue.
Throughout Elizabethtown College’s 125th anniversary year, follow along as we share 125 compelling stories about the College’s defining moments, alumni stories, and fun facts since our founding in 1899 at etown.edu.