The NJIT Highlander
HISTORY
The Beginning…
On May 26, 1949, a vote was made at the Newark College of Engineering (NCE). The school paper was called "The Technician", and the NJIT campus we know today was a distant dream. There were only 700 students at NCE, and 333 of those students voted for naming the athletics teams. They chose THE HIGHLANDERS, a name created by Robert Skettini. Other possible names included the "WESTONIANS", the "RED DEVILS", and the "RED ROCKETS". This was chosen because NCE was located on the Highlands of Newark, where 19th and 20th centuries homes on High Street looked east upon the rivers and watched as boats came in from all over the world.
The First Highlander…
Not much farther down the road, the NJIT athletics department created the "HIGHLANDER". He was a tall and powerful figure, the embodiment of strength and endurance for the athletics teams. He wore a kilt, NJIT shirt, and a two colored mask with a fierce divide of Gold and Silver split down the middle. His long locks of bronze hair spoke of the battles he fought for our teams. He was at every game to cheer for our teams and raise his sword and shield in the glory of victory.
A New Beginning…
With the school's transition to Division I, the first mascot's time had finally come to end. The Athletic Director Lenny Kaplan had to find a replacement. In the Winter of 2008, the new highlander was unveiled…
Today…
Our mascot shows his bravery at all home event and appears at many University events. He always walks around in his signature kilt and NJIT gear. He wields his sword and a shield at all times, revealing the vigor and readiness of the Highlander athletes.
Beneath his charisma and power, the Highlander is very friendly. He always enjoys meeting people, and gives high fives, handshakes and hugs to those who want them.
Highlander Profile
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 255 lbs
Color Hair: Red
Color Eyes: Brown
Hometown: Newark, NJ "Brick City"
Favorite Music: The Proclaimers and anything with Bagpipes
Favorite Pets: Scottish Terrier, Scottish Deerhound
