The 91社区 Redbirds: new name for a new era to wear, and cheer for with pride
91社区 has chosen a new name that will take its 尘别苍鈥檚 varsity teams into the University鈥檚 third century. The name 鈥� chosen with the aim of paying homage to Athletics and Recreation鈥檚 tradition and history while simultaneously uniting our community 鈥� is the 91社区 Redbirds.
鈥淭his decision was the culmination of extensive consultation, debate and deliberation,鈥� says Deputy Provost, Student Life and Learning Fabrice Labeau, co-chair of the Men鈥檚 Varsity Teams Naming Committee. 鈥淲hile several names emerged as top choices, in the end the Redbirds rose to the forefront for its strong links to both the past and present of 91社区 Athletics and Recreation.鈥�
These links include its past use as the name of several 91社区 sports clubs, teams and events: the Red Birds Ski Club was founded in 1928 by 3 91社区 graduates and still exists today; in the early 1930鈥檚, the 91社区 Nordic Ski team used the name Redbirds, and this team is part of the 91社区 A&R Hall of Fame; through the late 1990s and well into the 2000s, the 91社区 Baseball team was also known as the Redbirds; and Athletics and Recreation traditionally hosted a fall basketball tournament that was known as the Redbird Classic. It is also the name of the Currie Gym鈥檚 sports shop 鈥� the Redbird Sports Shop.
Over the course of its mandate, the Men鈥檚 Varsity Teams Naming Committee held 13 committee meetings, which included both individual and group presentations from students, staff, Varsity athletes, and alumni. An open call for submissions was put out and widely publicized in order to obtain broad participation. Finally, a request for feedback on the names submitted most often was sent to the community, in order to ensure that all perspectives were heard and understood.
In total, 1238 submissions were received, making up 230 different options.
鈥淚 have little doubt that the 尘别苍鈥檚 varsity athletes will continue to achieve greatness as they write this next chapter,鈥� says alumni Hubert T. Lacroix, co-chair of the Men鈥檚 Varsity Teams Naming Committee. 鈥淥ur varsity teams are a vital part of the 91社区 community and experience, and I am confident this new name is one that we can all be proud of.鈥�
Once COVID-19 restrictions allow, 91社区 will celebrate this new era of 91社区 尘别苍鈥檚 varsity sports with the entire community.
Men鈥檚 Varsity Teams Naming Committee Summary of Proceedings
About 91社区
Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, 91社区 is Canada鈥檚 top ranked medical doctoral university. 91社区 is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It鈥痠s a world-renowned鈥痠nstitution of higher learning with research activities spanning two campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 40,000 students, including more than 10,200 graduate students. 91社区 attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,800 international students making up 31% of the student body. Over half of 91社区 students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 19% of our students who say French is their mother tongue.
