The University of San Francisco (USF) will retire its nearly century-old mascot, "The Don," at the start of the spring 2027 semester. The decision comes after student backlash over the mascot's ties to colonial history.
"The Don," a costumed figure characterized by a pencil mustache and a green Spanish-style hat, has been a fixture at USF events since 1932. It was originally conceived to honor Don Francisco de Haro, the first mayor of Yerba Buena, the precursor to San Francisco. However, in 2022, the university's student government passed a resolution calling for the mascot's removal, arguing that it symbolized the exploitation and subjugation of California's Indigenous people. A subsequent student petition garnered over 400 signatures, urging the administration to phase out the colonial-era imagery.
USF President Salvador Aceves stated that the transition represents a natural evolution for the university, especially with new leadership in place. "With new leadership at USF and in Dons Athletics, we believe the time is right to revitalize our image and embrace a new mascot, one that is known for its intelligence, endurance and ability to work cooperatively in its pack," Aceves said in a statement. "At the same time, we will proudly remain the University of San Francisco Dons."
The university plans to introduce a wolf as the new mascot. This choice is intended to connect with USF's Jesuit heritage, referencing the "Los Lobos de Loyola" statues on campus, which depict the 15th-century coat of arms of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Students and staff will be consulted in the coming months regarding the final design of the new wolf mascot costume. While "The Don" will be retired, the athletic teams will continue to be known as the "Dons."
The decision has elicited mixed reactions within the university community, with some alumni expressing frustration over the perceived alteration of campus sports history. However, former student government vice president Ariana Anayat, who was instrumental in the initial campaign, expressed elation at the resolution of the long-standing issue.