Oakley, our beloved mascot, is turning 4, and the TWU Community is invited to a special celebration on March 3.

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to wish Oakley a happy birthday from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, March 3, in the Student Union Performance Lounge. Attendees may write their birthday wishes on a large birthday sign, and Oakley will be available for photos. At 12:45 p.m., attendees will sing "Happy Birthday."

Inspired by the statue of the Pioneer Woman on the Texas Woman's Denton campus, fondly dubbed "Minerva" by students, the "owl of Minerva" is the warrior goddess's mythological companion. Steadfast and erudite, this sacred animal is the ideal representation of TWU student-athletes' commitment to excellence in competition and in the classroom.

After Texas Woman's unveiled the owl mascot, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members were asked to choose the mascot's name. With more than 3,250 votes cast, "Oakley" was the overwhelming favorite. The name pays homage to the oak leaf in TWU class rings and the oak leaf chain embroidered on the cuff of the university's baccalaureate regalia. The name also represents the tradition of seniors' last walk through campus holding an oak leaf chain that symbolizes the passing down of strength, knowledge, and traditions of the university.

Oakley has become an integral part of Texas Woman's, participating in events on campus and around town. The mascot also was featured in Texas Woman's holiday videos in 2020 and 2021. Below are some photos of Oakley on the move: