Marquette Nickname Options Released; Vote Begins Tuesday May 23, 2005 Milwaukee — Marquette University students, alumni, faculty, staff, and season ticket holders will begin voting Tuesday in an online survey to select the school’s athletics nickname.  In a process previously announced by the Board of Trustees, "MU Voice" will allow the Marquette community to participate in a series of two binding votes.  The first slate of ten names plus the option of a write-in will be available online Tuesday in a survey conducted by Advantage Research, an independent research firm. The nicknames included in the survey were compiled from suggestions received by the university in 1994, 2004 and 2005.  The Nickname Advisory Committee had an opportunity to provide input on the slate of nicknames, which are listed here alphabetically but will appear in random order on the electronic survey: 1. Blue and Gold Marquette’s first nickname, circa 1892 – 1916, was used for our football team.  Ever since then, "blue and gold" have remained Marquette’s official school colors, in athletics and throughout the university. 2. Explorers Marquette University’s namesake, Father Jacques Marquette, was a Jesuit missionary and explorer. The spirit of exploration, whether through seeking truth and knowledge in our classrooms or seeking athletic achievements in competition, characterizes Marquette University, our students and alumni. 3. Golden Avalanche From 1924 – 1937, Marquette’s football team was dubbed the "Golden Avalanche" by the sports media for the sight of the football players in golden helmets charging down the field, creating a "golden avalanche" of force.  It is a name that represents a powerful force and overwhelming might. 4. Golden Eagles Since 1994, Marquette University’s athletics nickname has been the "Golden Eagles," effectively combining the gold of Marquette’s athletics traditions with the bold, swift and forceful nature of Marquette’s athletics teams. 5. Golden Knights Knights are known for bravery, dedication and their noble defense of important causes. Our student-athletes are proud to share those same characteristics, as is our university. Knights are part of the athletics history of the Jesuits in Wisconsin, as Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wis., used the knights as its nickname for 95 years, until it closed in 1975. 6. Hilltoppers The name Hilltoppers has been connected to Marquette Athletics since 1917 and was first used because the original Marquette building was erected on top of a hill at 10th and State. The name represents a person who has attained great heights, like the lofty goals set by Marquette’s students and coaches. 7. Saints The Marquette community has created a special tie to two saints: St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, and St. Joan of Arc, the namesake of the chapel on the Marquette campus. Saints are among our most revered figures, admired for their strength and perseverance, two qualities also found in every Marquette player and fan. 8. Spirit In one word, Spirit captures the character and energy of our student-athletes and coaches, and the enthusiasm that our students, alumni and fans bring to every game. At Marquette, our spirit can refer to a higher power. 9. Voyagers Voyagers take risks, explore new horizons and push ever-forward into new worlds. Like Marquette’s namesake, our student-athletes push the limits of the possible. As an academic institution, Marquette University encourages that same voyage toward truth and knowledge. 10. Wolves The wolf is part of the crest of the family of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, and is featured on the official seal of Marquette University. It represents strength and fierceness, two characteristics always found at the heart of our teams. 11. Write-in Candidate To be counted, write-in nicknames must be consistent with the University's Catholic, Jesuit mission and the Board of Trustees' resolution forbidding Native American imagery and references. Additionally, write-in suggestions of nicknames that are intended to embarrass the university will not be counted. Any nicknames under review by the NCAA for their relationship to Native American imagery will not be counted. Examples of nicknames that will not be counted include Warriors (or any variation of the word, i.e., war) and Jumpin' Jesuits. Other "MU Voice" Vote Details Alumni and season ticket holders will receive instructions and an individual "MU Voice" code for the online vote via postal mail in a letter mailed today.   Students, faculty and staff will be notified with instructions for voting by email tomorrow, May 24.  This first vote will be available online from tomorrow, May 24 through Sunday, June 5. The two nicknames receiving the most votes will be presented to the Marquette community beginning on Tuesday, June 7, for a second vote. The nickname with the most votes in the second vote will then be presented to President Robert Wild, S.J., to be announced as Marquette’s athletics nickname in time for the university’s entry into the Big East Conference on July 1. Those without Internet access will have an opportunity to vote by phone. The Nickname Advisory Committee, comprised of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and a member of the Board of Trustees, was appointed by Father Robert Wild following the Board’s announcement of the new selection process.  The Committee is charged with an advisory role in oversight of the voting process and to assist in the development of strategies to involve the entire Marquette community in creating the visual identity for the athletics nickname, once selected.      If you are a member of the media, please contact a member of Marquette University's Communications Team directly with your questions. All other inquiries and questions about Marquette University's athletics nickname decision should be directed to the Office of Public Affairs at (414) 288-7491 or submitted through our contact form.