This past Sunday, thunderous applause roared throughout Gampel Pavilion at halftime during the men’s basketball senior day celebration. The spirited occasion marked the official retirement of beloved University of Connecticut mascot, Jonathan the Husky XIV. Officiated by President Radenka Maric, his younger brother Jonathan XV was sworn in as the next official mascot with the “changing of the collar.”
Jonathan XIV, a purebred Siberian husky dog, arrived on campus in August 2014. He began his mascot duties at the age of ten months, to the delight of students and alumni alike. After a decade of being UConn’s top dog, XIV posted an announcement on Feb. 26 of his intention to retire into a simpler career as ‘mascot emeritus.’ However, he assured UConn Nation of his commitment to continuing to teach Jonathan XV the ropes and that he will still be appearing at campus events alongside his younger brother, with some more zoomies, naps and dates with his best girl Officer Tildy at the UConn Dairy Bar for good measure.
The official UConn Huskies athletic social media followed up by posting Jonathan XIV’s tenure of achievements, including seven NCAA national championships, 24 Big East and 11 AAC tournament championships, two football bowl games, dozens of regular season championships and more.
“He loves the pep band, he loves the fans. When people are clapping, he thinks it’s for him, which makes him really excited,” said Laura Centanni, co-chair of the APO Husky Committee, in speaking of XIV on WFSB Channel 3‘s public affairs show CT-24 with Eric Parker. The program regularly broadcasts UConn achievements and dedicated their ‘Sunday Spotlight’ segment to Jonathan XIV this week.
In many ways, the fans are clapping for Jonathan. On social media posts and videos commemorating ten years since XIV’s arrival at UConn, hundreds of his fans provided an outpouring of messages of support and love. In fact, his pages regularly receive tens of thousands of likes and shares – with just fewer than 140 thousand combined Facebook and Instagram followers – not to mention all the in-person love he has received at UConn athletic events, club and organization-sponsored activities and frequent media appearances over the years.
“It’s hard to see him step down… after all these years, he’s family.” said Centanni. “But I really think he will enjoy his retirement.”
UConn Today also published a feature on Jonathan XV’s promotion to official mascot, writing “Jonathan XV has been quickly adapting to life in the limelight, becoming more confident every day as he’s approached by adoring fans during his walks around campus with Jonathan XIV. That confidence also shines in crowds.”
Since 1934, the legacy of Jonathan the Husky has lived on through a long line of handsome pups. Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a co-ed service fraternity on campus, has chartered the dynasty for over 50 years, with frequent walks, organized excursions, enrichment and exercise activities in collaboration with a local host family who care for the boys’ daily needs. The huskies are named in honor of “Brother Jonathan” Trumbull, the first colonial governor of Connecticut.