MEDIA MENTIONS
The work of students, alumni, and community members has not gone unnoticed. The Kingfisher has been mentioned in news outlets such as the Chicago Tribune and the News Gazette, encouraging conversations across the campus and C-U community. Want to write an article on the Kingfisher? Reach out to our email!
IN THE NEWS
Association on American Indian Affairs endorses kingfisher as new U of I mascot
https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/association-on-american-indian-affairs-endorses-kingfisher-as-new-u-of-i-mascot/
One for the Birds
https://mailchi.mp/4ceea271cfe7/march-2023-newsletter?e=803a891fc0
A potential new mascot is gaining popularity at the University of Illinois: the belted kingfisher
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2022/12/10/a-potential-new-mascot-is-gaining-popularity-at-the-university-of-illinois-the-belted-kingfisher/
American Indian group: Proposal to make kingfisher UI’s new mascot isn’t for the birds
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/university-illinois/american-indian-group-proposal-to-make-kingfisher-uis-new-mascot-isnt-for-the-birds/article_5ffc6595-d3b0-5eb2-976c-9f8494bd4ec6.html
Help make the Belted Kingfisher the official mascot of the University of Illinois
https://blog.lauraerickson.com/2022/11/help-make-belted-kingfisher-official.html
Kingfisher mascot discussions continue in committee
https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/administration/2022/10/12/kingfisher-mascot/
UI seeks to gain support for kingfisher with merchandise
https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/2021/05/23/ui-seeks-gain-support-for-the-kingfischer-with-merchandise/
Kingfisher backers to “take it slow,” build alumni support
https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/2020/10/05/kingfisher-advocates-to-take-it-slow-build-alumni-support/
U of I Senate overwhelmingly favors kingfisher as new mascot
https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/u_of_i_senate_overwhelmingly_favors_kingfisher_as_new_mascot/
MEDIA HIGHLIGHT:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES PUBLIC COMMENT
Evan Lemberger addresses the Board of Trustees at the July 2023 meeting during public comment. At the time of this talk, Evan was a senior in Civil & Environmental Engineering as well as the leader of the Design and Construction committee for the Kingfisher Mascot costume.