The Power of Mascots: Why Your Law School Spirit Matters

This week, I came across a little guy—Rudy Flyer, the University of Dayton’s beloved mascot, in plush form—while grabbing lunch (at BIBIBOP on Brown Street).

And it got me thinking: how often do we pause to consider the importance of school spirit in law school? For many, mascots are a fond memory from undergrad, but for law students, keeping that spirit alive can be a real game-changer.

For those unfamiliar, Rudy Flyer is more than just a University of Dayton icon—he embodies the adventurous, resilient spirit of the university. Whether he’s pumping up the crowd at a basketball game or flying high with his classic aviator gear, Rudy represents everything that makes Dayton students stand tall and persevere.

Here’s why maintaining school spirit, with a little help from mascots like Rudy, can make a difference in your law school journey:

✅ Motivation on the Tough Days

Law school is challenging. The constant stream of case briefs, outlines, and long hours of studying can make it feel like an endless grind. When you’re buried in the day-to-day demands, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. This is where school spirit can be your secret weapon.

Whether it’s a mascot plush on your desk, a school-branded hoodie, or even a coffee mug with your school’s logo, these small reminders of your school pride can reignite your motivation. When law school feels overwhelming, seeing these visual symbols reminds you that you’re working toward something important. They can bring back memories of why you chose to attend law school in the first place and the excitement you felt when you first arrived.

Sometimes, all it takes is a quick moment of connection to your school to give you the boost you need to keep going. So when you hit a rough patch, take a second to remember your mascot and everything your school represents—you’re not just another student, you’re part of something bigger, and that pride can carry you through.

✅ Sense of Community

Law school can often feel isolating. With individual study sessions, intense competition, and the pressure of exams, it’s easy to feel like you’re going it alone. However, mascots and other symbols of school spirit serve as constant reminders that you’re part of a broader community. Your law school is a collective experience, and you share it with classmates, alumni, faculty, and staff who are all part of the same journey.

This is especially important for students attending online classes or hybrid programs, where face-to-face interaction is limited. Even if you’re not physically on campus, keeping school spirit alive—whether through wearing school gear, decorating your workspace with school colors, or joining school-sponsored events—can help you feel connected to your peers and the larger university network.

Knowing that you’re part of this greater community can help combat feelings of isolation. When things get tough, remember that there are thousands of others who have walked in your shoes, and they’ve all leaned on the same sense of pride in their school to help get them through.

✅ Resilience and Tradition

Mascots are not just about school spirit—they are a symbol of your institution’s history and resilience. They represent a long-standing tradition of students facing challenges head-on, just like you are now. Every time you see your mascot, remember the generations of students who came before you, who tackled their own obstacles and emerged stronger on the other side.

In law school, there will inevitably be moments of doubt—whether it’s the stress of final exams, the struggle to master a difficult concept, or the pressure to keep up with your workload. But just as your mascot stands tall, symbolizing the perseverance of your school, you too can tap into that strength.

Tradition goes beyond school pride. It’s about carrying forward the lessons of resilience and grit that your school has fostered over the years. Seeing your mascot—whether it’s on the field, at an event, or on a piece of merchandise—reminds you that your journey is part of a bigger legacy. Law school is tough, but you’re tougher, and you have the backing of your school’s long-standing traditions to see you through.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the workload or struggling through a case brief, let your school spirit and a little help from your school mascot lift you. Maybe keep a mascot plush on your desk or throw on your favorite school hoodie—anything to remind you that you're part of something bigger, and you've got the support of a larger community behind you.