RIT Bengal Tiger, Rochester Institude of Technology
Posted by: 
monkeykat
N 43° 05.052 W 077° 40.532
18T E 282214 N 4773639
A sculpture of the RIT Tiger, the mascot of the Rochester Institude of Technology in Rochester, NY. The tiger is located on the RIT campus on the Quarter Mile between the Student Alumni Union and the Wallace Library.
Waymark Code: WM160K
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 01/27/2007
Views: 148
This is a bronze sculpture created by DHS Wehle. Approximate dimensions are 3'x10'x3'.
Mascot History (from the RIT website):
From 1829-1955 Institute athletic teams referred to themselves as “The Techmen” and “The Blue Grey.” Harry Watts, head of the Rochester Institute of Technology News Bureau, wanted to find a name that would best personify RIT sports. After meeting with several RIT lettermen, he decided to use the nickname “Tigers” in his news releases.
The RIT Tiger Committee was formed in 1963. Its purpose was to maintain the mascot of the Institute; manage the use and display of the mascot; and to secure and distribute needed funds. A two-month old Bengal tiger was purchased in 1963 for the sum of $1,000. The Tiger Committee sold shares issued for $1.00 each to students, faculty, and staff.
The tiger, named “Spirit”, was flown to Rochester from a zoo in Dallas, Texas and subsequently nicknamed “Flying Tiger.” The tiger as a feature at many Rochester Institute of Technology athletic events. To celebrate Tiger spirit, a student-commissioned Bengal tiger statue was dedicated on November 10, 1989. The eight foot, bronze Bengal tiger statue is located adjacent to Campus Connections bookstore.
Today, the sculpture serves as a symbol of student pride and achievement at the Institute. Students have developed the tradition of touching the statue for good luck.
A portion of the plaque reads: "In pursuit of Tradition, Spirit, and Pride" November 1989.
RIT's campus is open to visitors, but be sure to obey parking restrictions or you will surely get a ticket. The campus safety officers are notoriously thorough in their job.
School name: Rochester Institude of Technology
Artist: D.H.S. Wehle
Year Created/Dedicated: November 1989
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