University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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SEBASTIAN A dedication to Remembering the creator of our beloved mascot, Sebastian the Ibis. STORY BY YANI RODRIGUEZ The ibis is a symbol of knowledge. It is the last animal to take shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear after the storm. And if youlve ever walked by Lake Osceola, you may have had to dodge the bird claiming its portion of the sidewalk. But, it wasn't until the Homecoming of 1957 that the ibis was formally introduced as the schools mascot. John Stormont, 65, creator of the original Sebastian IBIS YEARBOOKNQSB JOHN STORMONT costume and the first to wear it, died Aug. 24, 2003. A Pennsylvania native, Stormont moved to Miami for college. Stormont and the other students living in San Sebastian Residence Hall, known for their school spirit, came up with the idea for the mascot. The name Sebastian came from the name of the residence hall. The following year, Stormont, also a member of the Iron Arrow society, wore the costume at football games, which had a longer, more ibis-like beak. After earning a degree in motion picture production and journalism, Stormont made a living as a professor and as a news editor at WPLG Channel 10, before retiring in the Keys. With Stormontls initials in the back of Sebastianls hat, John Stormont will never be forgotten. For all he was and all Sebastian is, we dedicate this book to the memory of John Stormont. TODAY Sebastian has an outfit for a , , i . L , a . every occasian, and has 19705 , : , . ' a , ' the best eyebrowsin I . ' , l , . ., theNCAA, . W The mix of paper and; . ; , . - cloth made Sebastian , moreathletic. '

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SEBASTIAN Overcoming long, daily commutes and dealing with his new found fame, The Birdu is becoming INTERVIEW BY TURNER SPARKS MADE YU LEAVE YOUR OMFORTABLE LIFE IN THE VEGLADES AND COME TO THE UENVIRSITY OF MIAMI? I originally applied to be a student at UM and I wanted to be the first bird in my family to go to college. My parents really pushed me out of the nest. HOW HAS THIS HIGH PROFILE JOB AFFECTED YOUR LIFE IN THE EVERGLADES? Well, We become very popular at home and lim always getting chased around for autographs, but I wouldnit consider myself a celebrity. ALRIGHT, BUT BEING ALMOST A CELEBRITY YOU MUST GET A LOT OF OFFERS FROM CHICKS. HOW HAS THIS AFFECTED YOUR LOVE LIFE? Well, I am very happy with my girlfriend, whom I have been with for a very long time. You have probably seen her at the football games with me. , D u MIN s: 6 HT ' Americais most beloved mascot. Does AAA cover Fan Boats? GOOD SAVE. NOW LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, I HAVE SEEN YOU AT FOOTBALL GAMES, BUT I NEVER SEE YOU OUT AT NIGHT ON SOUTH BEACH OR IN COCONUT GROVE ON THURSDAY NIGHTS. THEY NEED SPIRIT OUT THERE TOO. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO HANG OUT? Well, I make appearances all over the city, but you just haven't seen me. Iim pretty much everywhere. PLL TAKE YOUR WORD FOR lT. AND FINALLY, IF YOU HAD ONE WISH FOR UM, WHAT WOULD IT BE? That all of our teams win a championship every year! PHOTO DAVID EPPOLITONBIS STAFF THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BIRD Connie Nickel, Sebastianis bird-sitterlpublic relations agent. Youive probably seen her on the sidelines, talking to Sebastian and the players at sporting events. WHO IS SHE? Connie Sue Nickel, Associate Athletic Director - WHAT DOES SHE DO? She supervises Olympic sports such as soccer, volleyball, indoor and outdoor track, tennis, rowing, and golf. Nickel is also in charge of football, the PHOTO BY KRlSTlAN RODRIGUEZNBIS STAFF Sunsations, and Sebastian. She oversees home games and is the event manager for all sports. WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF HER JOB? She gets paid to attend sporting events. WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS KNOW? Everyone should know this is a great school and we are lucky to have great sporting events that win conferences and national championships so often. -I O SEl-IALSEHVI