10 years later, the UND's Fighting Hawk mascot builds its reputation, popularity

GRAND FORKS — In September, during the University of North Dakota's homecoming week, the Fighting Hawk was everywhere. Whether it was on banners, signs, memorabilia or the actual mascot attending functions, its presence was felt.

This month marks 10 years since the nickname Fighting Hawks was chosen to represent the university, rising to the top of a list of finalists that included Nodaks, North Stars, Sundogs and Roughriders. On Nov. 18, 2015, it was decided: Fighting Hawks won out, beating Roughriders in a final vote.

Then-Vice President for University and Public Affairs Susan Walton said UND was poised to take flight to begin that journey.

“As the year comes to a close, we’re still North Dakota, we’ll always be North Dakota. But now we’re also the Fighting Hawks,” she said at the tim