OFTC’s Mascot
In early 2021, Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) welcomed the addition of a mascot to its brand, an owl named Ollie.
The process started in 2018 when students, faculty and staff voted on potential mascots. The top submissions were taken to College leadership and the owl was chosen.
“WE WANTED TO BE SURE THE CHOSEN MASCOT WOULD REPRESENT OUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITIES WELL.”
– OFTC’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Saketha Adams.
Despite several obstacles which delayed the announcement of the Owl including the COVID-19 pandemic, the College moved forward with the announcement of its newest addition in January 2021.
“This has been a difficult year on many different levels and our students have persevered despite so many challenges,” shared OFTC President, Erica Harden. “We wanted to give our students some excitement, something to smile about,” she said.
“We truly believe the owl represents the very best in our students and we are so proud to share this with them,” she added.
After the mascot’s release, students were asked to submit names for the mascot. The most popular entries were then submitted to the OFTC community to determine the owl’s name. With a majority of votes, OFTC’s new mascot was named “Ollie”.
Why the Owl?
OFTC students are diverse, insightful, focused, strong, and powerful – and it is these traits that gave rise to the inspiration of the owl who also exhibits these traits to be chosen to represent OFTC and its students.
- Diverse
There are more than 200 species of owls; and like the owl, OFTC students are a diverse group of individuals, spanning all age groups, coming from a variety of Georgia counties, and pursuing a wide range of specialty skills in over 140 programs of study.
- Impeccable Vision
Owls are known for their impeccable sight, and OFTC students have the vision to see and recognize the value and advantage of an education that’s affordable, flexible, and close to home.
- Flawless Hearing
The owl’s hearing is essential to its environmental success. As owls hunt, their keen sense of hearing guides and directs their efforts. Similarly, OFTC students are focused on their future, remaining steadfast until they’ve completed their program of study and confidently enter the workforce.
- Strong Grip
Just like the owl’s strong grip, OFTC students are determined and possess the strength to never to give up. They have an accurate grasp on reality and understand what they need to be successful. Their strength propels them to thrive despite life’s circumstances, doing whatever it takes to persevere.
- Large Wings
Owls possess large wings which enable them to be powerful, silent flyers. Likewise, OFTC students often carry the weight of their future, and often their family’s future, on their shoulders yet never complain.
