Nickname Timeline & History Circa 1892-1916 – Football team is known as “blue and gold” or “football squad.” 1917-1954 – Marquette nicknamed "Hilltoppers" because of its original location on a hill between North 10th and State streets. 1924-1937 – Marquette nickname "Golden Avalanche" used for football team while all other teams referred to as "Hilltoppers." May 1954 – Name “the Warriors” is adopted at the first meeting of the Student Senate, replacing names "Golden Avalanche" and "Hilltoppers." Oct. 28, 1960 – Marquette Tribune article reports that at the Student Senate meeting on Oct. 26, 1960 a motion passed to form a committee to effect the "Warrior" caricature. February 1961 – Name of "Willie Wampum" emerges from a student who won $5 in a “Name the Warrior” contest. Feb. 24, 1961 – "Willie Wampum" makes first appearance at a Marquette basketball game. Feb. 15, 1971 – Student Senate passes resolution requesting the administration permanently retire the character of "Willie Wampum" as soon as possible (16 to 9 vote) April 1, 1971 – Memo from James H. Scott, vice president for student affairs, to Dr. Samuel P. Sauceda, director of athletics, stating it is his “conclusion that 'Willie Wampum' as he is currently known, named, and symbolized, be retired now and the designation of ‘Warriors’ be retained.” Nov. 7, 1978 – Marquette Tribune article notes that the Committee on Student Life “approved a proposal last week to develop an ‘American Indian Symbol’ that would represent Marquette University primarily at athletic events.” Feb. 10, 1980 – “First Warrior” makes his debut at the Duke basketball game; Official memorandum from the First Warrior Advisory Committee to Dr. James Scott, vice president for student affairs, (dated February 1987) states that “the First Warrior was selected in the late 1970s to be a symbol of Marquette’s relationship with Indians and to visualize the university’s commitment.” 1986 – 1987 season –  "First Warrior" abandoned after season when Native American students no longer wish to participate. 1984 to 1990  – "Bleuteaux" is in place by the 1984 – 1985 basketball season; remains in place through 1990. Sept. 26, 1990 – “Last Warrior” was the winner in a student referendum, but athletics department rejects proposal of Associated Students of Marquette University Mascot Selection Committee (per Tribune article Dec. 4, 1990). October 1993 – Marquette announces its decision to discontinue the use of the "Warriors" name and logo. April 1994 – Students vote on new nickname, choosing between "Lightning" and "Golden Eagles." July 1994 – "Golden Eagles" logo is unveiled. May 2004 - At Commencement, Wayne Sanders, vice chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, announced that he and an anonymous trustee were each prepared to pledge $1 million to the university if the institution would consider a return to the Warriors nickname by the time Marquette enters the BIG EAST Conference in 2005-06. President Robert Wild, S.J., immediately and decisively declined the gift but agreed to place the nickname question before the Board of Trustees. Sept. 22, 2004 – The Board of Trustees passed a resolution explicitly stating that Marquette will prohibit the use of Native American references, symbolism or imagery in its athletics logo, nickname, or mascot. The Board also decided to initiate a comprehensive process to examine the issue and solicit alumni, student, faculty and staff feedback. May 4, 2005 – The Board of Trustees voted not to reinstate the Warriors athletics nickname stating that as a Catholic, Jesuit university, it would hold itself to the highest possible standards of its mission, which include recognizing and appreciating the dignity of every person. Further, data collected in the fall 2004 online survey of opinions and attitudes indicated that even 10 years after its introduction, the Golden Eagles nickname, logo and mascot have not generated with the Marquette community a strong sense of pride or identity. Therefore, the Board of Trustees announced the new athletics nickname would be the Marquette “Gold” effective July 1. Marquette Gold was chosen for its unique blending of the university’s old and new athletics traditions.   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.