24 Oct From Mascot to Community: The Heartwarming Legacy of CSUF’s Elephant Races
At many college campuses, mascots are merely a representation of the spirit of the campus. However, at Cal State Fullerton, its elephant mascot named Tuffy is incorporated into most aspects of campus life. From marketing handbills with elephant cartoons or Tuffy hyping up the crowd at sports events, the strong and loyal image of the elephant is woven into the fabric of CSUF. This year’s Alumni and Family Weekend took this spirit to new heights!
Held from Oct. 4-6, CSUF’s Alumni and Family Weekend welcomed alumni back to their alma mater. It also encouraged student families to connect and explore campus at the start of the semester. One of the highlights? Inflatable elephant races! A tradition at alumni and family weekend with origins dating back to the 1960s, inflatable elephant races offer fundraising opportunities to organizations on campus. In this, representatives of organizations don inflatable elephant costumes and race against each other, with the speediest team earning money for their cause. The faster you are, the more money you win for the organization you are fundraising for!
Associated Students Inc. Markets Their Cause
Associated Students Inc. decided to participate in this purposeful venture of elephant races. ASI shared the goal of helping fundraise for ASI’s Children’s Center and Food Pantry. Both an essential part of ASI’s identity, the Children’s Center and Food Pantry consistently provide services to students through accessible childcare on campus and free groceries for those in need.
Winning more money for each organization could help accommodate expanding goals for each organization. It could mean purchasing new gross motor toys for the Children’s Center or additional food for the Pantry.
“Everyone who was there seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. A few of the elephant participants fell and a few of the costumes popped, but attendees and orgs enjoyed the casual and fun time,” CSUF fourth year and ASI PR Communications assistant Isabel Martinez said. “The silliness of an elephant race fundraiser appeals to families but also alumni who may want to support clubs they were part of while in college. It’s a very unique fundraising initiative.”
By participating, ASI aims to boost financial support for these important services, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to thrive.
Elephant Race Origins
Harvard and Chapman University elephants line up ready to participate in the first collegiate elephant race / Credit: Orange County Register
What may seem like a modern tradition, the first Intercollegiate Elephant Race dates back to May 11, 1962, on a converted cornfield called “Dumbo Downs.” The race, considered “The First Intercollegiate Elephant Race in Human History”, featured 15 real elephants from universities across the country. More so, it was widely covered by the media, including Newsweek and Sports Illustrated. The race brought in ten thousand spectators and was so newsworthy that it received a telegram from President Nixon. What followed after is history.
College student poses under one of the elephant participants / Credit: CSUF News
Thanks to the race, Tuffy the elephant became CSUF’s official mascot while putting the school on the map.
Fundraising with Flair
ASI member Aaron Tapper poses alongside Keshav and Kavil after an elephant race win / Credit: Aaron Tapper
ASI’s participation to run in the Tuffy races was not a coincidence. In fact, it was part of a larger October crowdfunding initiative that several campus groups participate in. With only eight of those campus groups chosen to race, both of ASI’s organizations made the cut.
As a student-centered organization, ASI chose none other than two student board members straight from the College of Engineering and Computer Science department, Keshav Daga and Kavil Jain.
“Participating in the Tuffy Elephant Race was an unforgettable experience! Though I tripped and took a fall, I got right back up and finished strong. While I didn’t win, the sunny day and the fun of running with the inflatable elephant made it all worthwhile. It’s a perfect reminder of what being a Titan is all about—we may stumble, but we never give up!” College of Engineering and Computer Science board member Kavil Jain said.
“It’s not every day you get to waddle around campus looking like a giant elephant, so it was definitely a new and fun way to show some Titan pride. Plus, it’s a great reminder not to take ourselves too seriously!” College of Engineering and Computer Science board member Keshav Daga said.
The Impact of Participation: Stories from ASI Members
Tuffy race winners pose for a picture with one another/ Credit: Aaron Tapper
ASI board members do more than just represent their colleges and participate in inflatable races, but work to make meaningful changes for their department.
“As a Board of Directors member for the college of ECS, we are currently working on bringing Coursera to our university. This initiative will provide students with the opportunity to gain new skills outside their regular coursework, enhancing their career prospects,” College of Engineering and Computer Science board member Kavil Jain said. “We’re in talks with the university’s provost, who is incredibly supportive and pushing hard to make this a reality for our students.”
“As part of the ECS department board, we regularly meet with the Dean to discuss student issues and concerns, ensuring that students’ voices are heard,” College of Engineering and Computer Science board member Keshav Daga said. “One of our recent initiatives was organizing the International Alumni Mixer, which provided students an opportunity to connect with alumni for career guidance and mentorship,”
At the end of it all, Daga got 3rd place overall and won $400 for The Pantry while Jain won $100 for participating in the race for The Children’s Center.
“The winning money will go to enhance and help improve the Children’s Center and Food Pantry. The Children’s Center’s money is going towards purchasing gross motor toys. The Food Pantry money is going towards purchasing additional food, specifically produce, vegetarian food, and culturally sensitive food,” ASI Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives Aaron Tapper shared.
Among fundraising initiatives taking place all over campus, elephant races and ASI’s part in it continue to bring fun and community to supporting student needs.