Mascots

Whether they're cheering on the crowd, welcoming new students, supporting campus traditions or brightening someone's day, Montclair State University's mascots help create memorable experiences across our Montclair and Bloomfield campuses. From the high-energy spirit of Rocky the Red Hawk and Roxy the Red Hawk to the comforting presence of Pebbles the Pupscot and the community pride of Deacon the Bloomfield Bear, each mascot plays a unique role in bringing our campus together.

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Meet the Family

Rocky the Red Hawk

The face of Red Hawk Pride, Rocky brings energy and excitement to campus traditions, athletic events, student programs and celebrations throughout the year. 

Follow Rocky!

rocky the red hawk mascot

Roxy the Red Hawk

Rocky's spirited sister, Roxy is known for her outgoing personality and enthusiasm, helping make every event a little more fun. 

Follow Roxy!

roxy the red hawk mascot

Pebbles the Pupscot

Our beloved pupscot, Pebbles spreads smiles wherever she goes. Whether she's visiting a classroom, greeting students or enjoying time on the Quad, she's always ready to brighten someone's day. 

Follow Pebbles!

Pebbles the Mini Labordoodle

Deacon the Bloomfield Bear

Representing the Bloomfield campus, Deacon celebrates school spirit while connecting students and traditions across both campuses.

Follow Deacon!

Deacon the Bloomfield Bear

Invite Us To Your Next Event!

rocky and roxy on stairs

The Birds

Rocky and Roxy love attending campus events, creating social media content and hyping up the crowd. 

Pebbles the Mini Labordoodle

The Pupscot

Enhance your next program with paw-sitivity from Pebbles. 

Deacon the Bloomfield Bear Mascot waving

The Bear

Deacon is available to support events on both the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses.

Our History

Each mascot has a unique story that has become part of Montclair State University's traditions. Explore how our mascot family has grown over the years.

Discover Their Stories

View the history in graphic-form on Rocky’s Instagram!

  • In 1989 Montclair State University became the Red Hawks.
  • In 2001 “Rocky” was hatched on October 5 after a student vote as our school mascot.
  • In 2014 Rocky was red for about a year due to a mistake in purchasing the costumes.
  • In 2015 the student body voted to keep the brown Rocky as it better resembled the red-tailed hawk that flies over campus.
  • In 2015 Team Rocky was formally established thanks to former Graduate Coordinator Kyle Kowal, former Director Cindy Meneghin and former VP Karen L. Pennington.
  • In 2016 Rocky’s cousin “Ricky” made his official debut. The “Ricky head” was actually created for a child, which is why it’s so much smaller and a little creepy looking.
  • In 2017 Rocky celebrated his birthday for the first time. This party is now an annual campus tradition. Former Graduate Coordinator Bobby Serrani assisted in the planning and execution!
  • In 2018 Rocky got social and can now be found and followed on Instagram thanks to former Team Rocky member Paul McGroarty.
  • In 2018 our popular YouTube series, Rocky on the Street, debuted with our first host former Team Rocky member, Mario Papa.
  • In 2018 Rocky’s little sister “Roxy” made her official debut. Roxy is a girls girl! She is one of a kind, quirky and a little dramatic at times, but will be your biggest fan. Help us celebrate her birthday every March 18!
  • In 2019 Rocky got his very own TikTok account thanks to former Team Rocky member, Taylor Risley.
  • In 2019 Rocky’s “Uncle Roy” made his official debut.
  • In 2020 Rocky went virtual due to COVID-19 but continued spreading Red Hawk Pride from behind the screen.
  • In 2023 Rocky flew to Daytona with the Cheer Team for the NCA tournament for the first time, accompanied by former Team Rocky member, Vanessa Fingerlin.
  • In 2024 “Uncle Roy” retired.
  • In 2024 Rocky and Roxy got a much needed glow up and debuted their new looks at the 4th of July parade in Montclair.
  • In 2023 Rocky adopted his dog, Pebbles, thanks to former Director of Student Communications, Cindy Meneghin and former VP Dawn Meza Soufleris. Thea Dyer, Associate Director of Residence Life became a dog mom! 
  • In 2023 Pebbles launched her official Instagram account, giving the campus community a place to follow her adventures.
  • In 2023 Team Pebbles was established, a dedicated group of student handlers trained to handle Pebbles and assist with campus appearances. 
  • In 2023 Pebbles attended her first Furry Friends for Finals event, hosted by Health Promotion. The program inspired the idea of bringing a full-time therapy dog to campus.
  • In 2023 Pebbles introduced #Puppyween, an annual Instagram series counting down to Halloween with her famous themed costumes.
  • In 2024 Pebbles became a certified Therapy Dog and Emotional Support Animal through Cover K9 Training.
  • In 2024 Pebbles celebrated her first birthday with treats, activities and friends in Bohn Hall. Former Undergraduate Team Pebbles Manager Olivia Wollemberg assisted in the planning and execution! The celebration has since grown into an annual campus event held each November at the Student Recreation Center.
  • In 2024 Pebbles celebrated her first Gotcha Day with crafts, activities, campus resources and the inaugural Puppy Parade across the Quad, Former Undergraduate Team Pebbles Manager Olivia Wollemberg assisted in the planning and execution! tradition that continues each February.
  • In 2024 During the holiday season, Pebbles hosted her first Blanket Making event, with completed blankets donated to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center.
  • In 2024 Pebbles attended her first Mental Health Day Celebration on the Bloomfield campus. 
  • In 2025 Pebbles attended the Softball team's Mental Health Game, where she greeted fans and even played a game of fetch on the field.
  • In 2025 Pebbles celebrated the graduation of her first Team Pebbles student handlers.
  • In 2025 Pebbles became a superhero as the inspiration for a custom arcade machine design in the Bohn Hall Lounge.
  • In 2026 Pebbles partnered with Health Promotion and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to launch Paws with Pebbles, weekly office hours designed to support student well-being.
  • In 2026 Pebbles created Pickle-themed affirmation cards for the inaugural Pickle-Palooza, hosted by Campus Activities. 
  • In 2014 Bloomfield College changed its nickname from the Deacons to the Bears. The mascot was named Deacon to preserve the legacy of the former name “The Deacons”. The Bear represents strength, resilience, and spirit of the Bloomfield community. It also pays homage to New Jersey’s native bear, the American black bear, reflecting the university’s connection to the state.
  • In 2016 Deacon and Rocky first meet at a local high school to celebrate and welcome accepted students to their respective colleges.
  • In 2018 Deacon attended Rocky’s birthday party at Montclair for the first time bringing his awesome dance moves.
  • In 2020 During COVID-19, Deacon went virtual by attending online events including, Accepted Students Day, New Student Orientation, and Commencement celebrations.
  • In 2023 During the merger and creation of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, Deacon the Bear remained the mascot for the Bloomfield College campus, representing the unique identity and traditions of the college community.
  • In 2023 Deacon officially became part of Rocky's family after many years of friendship.
  • In 2023 Deacon got his own Instagram page! Follow Deacon today @deaconbloomfieldbear.
  • In 2024 Deacon celebrated his birthday for the first time at Bloomfield! Be sure to stop by on February 2 for a “beary” good time!
  • In 2025 Team Deacon was officially created! You can find Team Deacon at various Bloomfield and Montclair events throughout the year! 

Mascot Appearances

Our mascots love connecting with the campus community and helping create memorable experiences.

Rocky, Roxy & Deacon can: 

  • Take photos with guests
  • Sign autographs
  • Hand out prizes or giveaways
  • Dance and engage the crowd
  • Hype up participants
  • Participate in pre-planned skits
  • Appear in pre-planned social media content
  • Help celebrate campus traditions and special events

Pebbles can: 

  • Greet guests as they arrive
  • Take photos with attendees
  • Walk through your event with her handler
  • Play with students while on leash
  • Help create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere
  • Appear in pre-planned social media content
  • Help celebrate campus traditions and special events

Request Guidelines

Pebbles the Mini Labordoodle

Event Tips

To help ensure every appearance is successful and enjoyable:

  • Requests are reviewed based on availability and scheduling.
  • Mascots always attend events with trained handlers.
  • Handlers serve as the mascot's guide, voice and primary point of contact during the event.
  • Events longer than 45 minutes require an indoor, air-conditioned break area for Rocky, Roxy and Deacon.
  • Some appearances may be adjusted based on weather, event logistics or the wellbeing of our mascot.

Respect Our Mascots

Our mascots are here to create fun, memorable experiences for everyone. Please help keep every interaction safe, respectful and enjoyable.

Rocky, Roxy & Deacon

  • Respect the mascot's personal space.
  • Do not push, pull or jump on the mascot.
  • Allow the mascot privacy during water and cooling breaks.
  • Understand that wearing a mascot suit is physically demanding.
  • Please do not ask who is inside the mascot costume or attempt to reveal the performer's identity. Keeping the magic alive is one of our favorite campus traditions.

"Rocky is Rocky"

Pebbles the Pupscot

  • Please be gentle and respectful when interacting with Pebbles.
  • Always follow the direction of her handlers.
  • Pebbles is a small dog and, just like people, may have off days.
  • Her handlers will always make decisions based on what is in Pebbles' best interest, including limiting or ending interactions if needed.

Failure to follow these expectations may affect future mascot appearances.

Join Our Mascot Teams

Interested in helping bring our mascots to life?

Student opportunities typically become available during:

  • October–November
  • April–May

Read Red Hawk News and follow the mascots on social media for application announcements and information sessions.

Interested in Deacon? Students interested in representing Deacon the Bloomfield Bear should also watch for opportunities to become a Storyteller. 

collection of pebbles stickers that say you are enough

Mascot Branding Guidelines

To maintain a consistent University brand, please follow these standards when referring to our mascots.

Official Names

Always use each mascot's full official name on first reference.

  • Rocky the Red Hawk; Rocky 
  • Roxy the Red Hawk; Roxy 
  • Pebbles the Pupscot; Pebbles 
  • Deacon the Bloomfield Bear; Deacon
Rocky and Roxy the Red Hawk Mascots showing the back of their jerseys

Images

Official University departments may use approved mascot photos in accordance with University branding guidelines.

  • Use only approved mascot photography.
  • Mascots should always be portrayed in a positive and appropriate manner.
  • Do not alter mascot images or use unofficial artwork without approval.
    • The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create images, artwork, graphics or other representations of the University's mascots is prohibited unless approved by Student Communications & Red Hawk Life.

Browse approved mascot photography in the University SmugMug gallery.

Each generation of Rocky the Red Hawk Mascot costume

Our Mascots Represent Everyone

Our mascots represent the entire Montclair State University community.

They do not endorse political candidates, political viewpoints or religious affiliations, nor do they show favoritism toward any individual, student organization or department. Every mascot appearance is intended to create an inclusive, welcoming and engaging experience for all members of our campus community.

Contact the Advisors

Hannah Lindeblad

Advisor for Team Rocky

  • Director of Student Communications

Kelsey Nyman

Advisor for Team Pebbles

  • Coordinator of Student Communications

Mark Ruff

Advisor for Team Deacon

  • Admission Counselor