Identity area
Type of entity
Person
Authorized form of name
Pounce de Lion
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
- Pounce
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
1984-1995
History
Pounce de Lion was the University of Waterloo Student Alumni Association mascot from 1984 to 1995. He is sometimes referred to as the University of Waterloo Alumni Affairs mascot. Also known simply as Pounce, the mascot officially received his name in 1987. Prior to this, he was likely referred to as the “lion mascot.”
Pounce has been described as a six-foot, cuddly, furry-faced lion. He is brothers with King Warrior, the University of Waterloo Athletics mascot, and Jerome, St. Jerome’s University’s mascot. Pounce is reportedly the older and wiser of the brothers.
During his tenure, Pounce participated in many events on and off campus representing the spirit of the University over all faculties with his friendly demeanor.
In addition to personal appearances, caricatures drawn in Pounce’s likeness were used by the alumni association to promote events and activities on campus. These caricatures were drawn by campus artist Frank Esch. Esch drew Pounce in dozens of poses, from holding a tennis racket to a newspaper in his paws.
By 1987, these caricatures were so popular that some began to copy his picture without permission. As a result, the Alumni office applied to obtain a trademark for Pounce and issued a UW News release asking people to please request permission to use Pounce’s image.
Two lion costumes were used for Pounce between 1984 and 1995, both of which are held by the University of Waterloo Archives.
In the early 1990s, plush toys of Pounce were available for purchase in the Open Door gift shop in South Campus Hall. The small plush could be bought for $17.99 and the larger twelve-inch plush toy could be purchased for $21.99.
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Relationships area
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Rules and/or conventions used
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Script(s)
Sources
UW news. Release no. 173. (July 24, 1987). Information Services, University of Waterloo. Call number: UWA 0300
Water under the bridge: 1987 beyond the villages by Chris Redmond and Simon the Troll.
Welcoming back the pride: Alumni Relations
Gazette. University of Waterloo. Wednesday, February 6, 1991 (v.31, n.21). Call number: UWA 0260
Information via Alumni Relations