July 1, 2020
Board of Trustees announces unanimous vote to discontinue the use of the Indian as the Academy's mascot and the name of its competitive teams, effective immediately
July 15, 2020
Mascot Search Committee co-chairs named: Bob Grandizio, Jr. '90 and Jamie (Brush) Scott '98
July 20-30, 2020
Mascot Search Committee selected and notified; committee composed of students, alumni, faculty, staff, coaches, parents and trustees.
Aug. 3, 2020
Mascot Search Committee announced by President Bart Griffith '93
Sept. 1-21, 2020
Mascot Search Committee identifies search parameters; feedback gathered from committee members, students and faculty on the future mascot's desired characteristics
Sept. 29-Oct. 14, 2020
Open call to the SSA community for mascot suggestions via survey
Oct. 15-28, 2020
Mascot Search Committee narrows down 600+ suggestions to 22 semifinalists, utilizing search parameters, characteristics and focus groups
Oct. 28-Nov. 4
Community feedback gathered on 22 mascot semifinalists via survey
November 2020
Mascot Search Committee narrows down semifinalists based on community feedback and elevates five finalists to the Board of Trustees for consideration: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Owls and Wolfpack
Dec. 17, 2020
The Board of Trustees meets to discuss and vote on the five finalists
Dec. 21, 2020
SSA's new mascot, the Bulldog, is announced to the community
January 2021
Branding committee established; Rickabaugh Graphics selected as branding & design partner after extensive request for proposal (RFP) process
February-April 2021
Branding committee and design firm collaborate on brand research and concept development; design concepts tested with focus groups of SSA constituents
May 2021
New athletic logo and branding unveiled to the community