U of I President Killeen favors new mascot
University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer In an interview with The News -Gazette, University of Illinois President Timoth Killeen has pledged his full support of finding a new mascot for Fighting Illini Athletics.
“We need to capture the spirit, energy, affinity, loyalty and love for our athletics in ways that are meaningful to our students and not demeaning to any groups,” he said.
When asked if alumni are ready for the change, Killeen replied, “I do. I talk to them all the time. I think the system is ready. One side of my brain says maybe it’s overdue. There’s a brave new world out there. But I think it needs thought and care and respect, for all vantage points.”
