Mike the Knight Mascot

Meet Mike!

Favorite Restaurant Recommendations for Your Campus Visit 
Get a Purple Knight at Simon’s – named for yours truly!

Favorite Campus Traditions 
My birthday party – obviously

Favorite Ways to Get Involved on Campus 
I love to MOVE it MOVE it (as in Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts).

What I love most about Vermont 
It’s a beautiful place with the best people.

History

I have been manning the sidelines and delighting Saint Michael’s students as the College’s mascot since 1947. My iconic Purple and Gold costume can be seen at athletic events, high-fiving crowds at Admission visits and even riding a bike down the sidewalks.

I officially came into being in 1947 when legendary athletic director George ‘Doc’ Jacobs arrived on campus and wanted to build an identity around the Saint Michael’s athletic teams. The decision about who and what the mascot should be went to the student body and on November 22, 1947, Jacobs announced that the “Purple Knights” would be the school’s nickname and Mike the Knight was born.

My first iteration appeared a drawing created by then-student Arthur Gleason ‘50, whose artwork served as the vision of Mike the Knight for more than 50 years.

My outfits have changed over the years – from a squirrel costume that was worn at athletic events to the furry, purple creature, with a soft gold knight’s helmet on its head that was worn until the early 1990’s.

The most recent version of Mike the Knight – and the one you see wandering campus today – was developed in 2005 and was unveiled at the newly-dedicated Duffy Field.

Make sure to say hello when you see me around campus and always hold your hand up for a signature high-five!