Howie the Hawk
HOWIE, The University of Hartford’s official Hawk mascot, is in his 58th season as a spirit leader and goodwill ambassador for the University of Hartford.
Howie is well known among the University of Hartford community and fans, and has been known for his on court antics during basketball games. The current version of Howie the Hawk began its tenure during the winter of 2008-09.
The nickname originated in the late 1940's when the school competed as Hillyer College. It is believed that the nickname stemmed from spectators having to climb four flights of stairs in the old Chauncey Harris School on Hudson Street in Hartford to the "Hawk's Nest" to watch basketball and wrestling events.
Student Jim Starbuck of New Britain, Connecticut, was responsible for the first drawings and sketches of the Hawk in 1953. In the history of the University of Hartford, there have been three "live" mascots and a variety of costume versions.
For more information on the history of Howie the Hawk click here History of Howie the Hawk.