Every college has its traditions, but few are as instantly
recognizable or cherished as its mascot. At Elizabethtown College, Blue the Blue Jay is more than just a costumed figure at student and sporting events. It is a symbol of unity, pride and the spirited energy of the student body, even for the person inside the costume. Ryan Ramler, a senior psychology student, has worn the costume for the last three years at dozens of different events, including accepted students days and athletic events.
Becoming one of the students who wore the Blue Jay costume was something Ramler had never expected. However, it changed his college experience for the better. Ramler has been a peer mentor for three years, helping first-year students adjust to college life on Etown’s campus. During a student orientation event during his sophomore year, Ramler was assigned to wear the Blue Jays suit. After that first experience, he went on to wear the suit more than 15 times. What may feel like an off-putting step outside of the comfort zone for others felt like a confidence boost for Ramler.
“I felt I was completely myself, without anyone knowing it was me,” Ramler said. “Being as eccentric as I am in the suit is so not a ‘Ryan’ thing at all. Many friends of mine were like,
‘That’s Ryan?’ when they found out I was wearing the costume.”
Even throughout all of its glory, being the mascot is not always what it is cracked up to be. Ramler said one of his biggest challenges with the costume is the temperature.
“It’s very hot,” Ramler said. “It’s just pure cotton and fabric with a football chest pad underneath it all. My mobility is very limited, and I’m only able to see through the beak.”
Another challenge that comes with the costume is getting students to engage, especially underclassmen. Some find it awkward when a six-foot bird approaches them, but Ramler finds a way to break the tension with eccentric gestures and dance moves. Keeping the energy up for the sake of school spirit is a challenge any regular person would struggle to achieve. When asked how he stays motivated to wear the costume during a hot, busy day, Ramler said, “You just kind of have to suck it up and do it. I do get free Rita’s water ice at the end of the day, so that is a pretty big motivator for me.”
After he graduates from Etown in the spring, Ramler plans to continue his education at Bloomsburg University for his master’s degree in psychology. As his last semester comes to a close, he reflects on his time as not only an Etown student, but as an ambassador and the mascot. Ramler said that he feels as though the experience made him a better ambassador for Etown and an overall outgoing and confident person.
“I feel like no one appreciates who you yourself become behind the mask,” Ramler said.
For Ramler, the experience of being the Blue Jay has been more than just wearing a costume—it has been an opportunity to connect with the community and leave a unique mark on campus life.
