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Fairfield was awarded the gold medal in the “Revenue-Generating Idea” category in Group II, which encompasses all of the traditional mid-major conferences in NCAA Division I athletics. The honor was a part of the Best Of Awards, held Wednesday in Dallas as a part of the group's annual convention.
“We are proud to share this award with the Fairfield University administration, the marketing and communications department, the department of athletics, Fairfield University Media Center and everybody else that contributed to the success of the #LucasOnTheLoose campaign,” said Zach Dayton, associate director of athletics for marketing and communications. “We would also like to extend our thanks to our students, alumni and fans whose passion for Fairfield athletics helped to turn our vision into a success.”
The #LucasOnTheLoose campaign was a collaborative effort throughout the Fairfield campus sparked by the redesign of the University’s mascot, Lucas the Stag. Prior to Lucas’ unveiling to the Class of 2019 in September 2015, the campaign included a series of videos produced by the Fairfield University Media Center, as well as a Snapchat geofilter featuring an animated version of Lucas.
Fairfield also distributed 1,000 Lucas the Stag bobbleheads across campus and to prominent media members and alumni. Lucas has been spotted on the desk of ESPN’s “Mike & Mike,” a daily sports-talk radio show simulcast live on the ESPN family of networks.
A trip to New York City concluded with Lucas taking the mound at Citi Field in front of 25,000 fans to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Fairfield University Night. The second annual Fairfield University Night at Citi Field is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 20.
“Lucas is a unique and beloved figure that continues to grow alongside our identity as a University,” said Jennifer Anderson, vice president for marketing and communications. “His presence at Fairfield and in our community has increased the pride and engagement of both alumni and current students alike.”
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