Introducing the "UNMC Labs"
OMAHA, Neb. (KPTM) — The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is known for producing student health care leaders instead of student athletes, so a mascot wasn't necessarily needed.
Or was it?
As students from UNMC interacted with those from other college campuses who have mascots, the idea of having their own mascot became important, said a press release from the school.
“We wanted something for students from all of our colleges and all of our campuses to be able to rally around,” said Nicole Kent, student senate president and student regent at UNMC. After dozens of submissions, a Labrador retriever wearing safety goggles and a white coat was the obvious choice for UNMC's mascot. The idea was submitted by a graduate studies student, Caroline Seilstad, who based it off of Ellie, a dog that attended campus events throughout the years. UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, was thrilled that the students came up with the idea. “It’s a great day to be a Lab,” he said. “Our new mascot is a sign of student spirit at UNMC and, with its nod to our cutting-edge science, celebrates UNMC’s commitment to transforming lives in Nebraska and beyond.” The UNMC bookstore is expected to have merchandise to sell coming soon.
“We are honored to be the UNMC Labs,” said Kent.