We’re calling on all students to help us pick our official alligator mascot design! Cast your vote by June 18 at bit.ly/gator99 and help shape the face of South Piedmont Community College.
Both mascot designs were created with care (and serious creativity!) by our talented Creative Services Manager, Samantha Carvallo. One gator rocks a classic, vintage-athletic vibe, while the other is a rounder, full-figured fellow. As Samantha puts it:
“He’s an alligator—he eats a lot.”
Samantha shared a bit about her creative process:
“Coming up with two visual identities for our alligator mascot was hard work. I studied real alligators and explored how other colleges use their mascots before sketching. After everything I learned, I feel such a strong connection to these designs. I can’t wait to see what the community thinks! Go Alligators!”
The alligator was chosen as the College’s mascot earlier this spring, in tribute to a real alligator discovered at the L.L. Polk Campus in Polkton back in 1994. That alligator, now known as Gatorboy, currently resides at the North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens. He is estimated to be 46 years old, weighs about 470 pounds, and measures roughly 10 feet in length.
Although a few thousand alligators live in coastal North Carolina, it was a surprise to find one in a pond in Anson County—especially near a college campus. Gatorboy had become accustomed to people feeding him, which made his presence near the school dangerous. Thankfully, he was safely relocated and now enjoys a peaceful life at the zoo. Check out this video of Gatorboy bellowing at the North Carolina Zoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIMj1rdswc&t=2s
Gatorboy has defied the odds, and it’s that spirit of resilience that makes him the perfect symbol for our College. Just like Gatorboy, our students are strong, determined, and full of potential. Proof that no matter where you come from, your dreams are around the corner.
We can’t wait to see which gator gets your vote! Snap to it! Don’t wait—make your voice heard, spread the word, and may the best alligator win!