Why the Dons?
What is a Don?
"Don" is an acronym for De Origen Noble, which translates to "of noble origin" and is a Spanish title given only to a noble person of political, social or official distinction. The name references the early history of California and San Francisco, which was marked by the exploits of the adventuresome and swashbuckling Spanish Dons. All USF students and alumni are of noble origin who share in the long passion for learning in order to better understand the past, clarify the present and anticipate the future. Thus, we are proud to call ourselves the Dons.
USF's mascot is named Don Francisco, in honor of Don Francisco de Haro, the first mayor of San Francisco.
History of the Nickname
In November of 1931, USF's student body president, George Ososke, received a letter from the San Francisco Junior Chamber of Commerce critical of the university's use of the term "Grey Fog" to designate its athletic teams. The Junior Chamber of Commerce felt that the name did not give a positive image to the city and potentially hurt advertising. The
Foghorn published a series of letters addressing the issue of a possible change for the athletic teams, followed by a contest to come up with a new name. Student interest in the contest for a new name for the athletic teams was minimal and only a few names were submitted, including the Vigilantes, Golden Gaters, Seagulls, Seals and Sea Lions. These and other possible names were voted on by a committee composed of four undergraduates, four alumni and four administrators selected by USF President Edward Whelan, S.J. In January of 1932, the
Foghorn announced the new name for the university's athletic teams: the Dons. Jack Rhode, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences and sports editor of the
Foghorn, had the honors of having his suggestion chosen as the official nickname of for the university. -
Legacy & Promise, 150 Years of Jesuit Education at the University of San Francisco by Alan Ziajka
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