Th first option may include his tail the same color as his mane, and he may have jerseys instead of T-shirts. 

In the second design, Roomie appears with a different physique than before and a variety of different costumes.

Roomie is getting a makeover, and students are encouraged to vote on what they want him to look like in the future. 

Students, faculty, staff and any fan of Roomie can vote on the new designs from Wednesday, Mar. 28 until Apr. 4. Each voter is allowed one vote that is linked to his or her email. 

“We have been working with a committee made up of stakeholders,” said Executive Director of Public and Government Affairs Erin Cowser. “The Alumni Association, the Lion’s Spirit Squad, the student-athletes, SGA, anybody and everybody we could get in there that was interested and wanted to make sure we are going in the right direction. They were able to narrow it down to two sketches from two different companies.” 

The previous Roomie mascot costume has been used for seven years. 

“That’s the normal lifespan of a mascot costume,” said Cowser. “It’s definitely time. He needs a little bit of a makeover.”

Cowser described the origin of the makeover idea.

“That’s why this committee came together,” said Cowser. “It was at the suggestion of the Alumni Association, that said we need to sit down and take a look at the some of the things that people love about the current Roomie and some of the things that people have said that we could probably improve upon.”

The final two chosen mascot costume designs that voters will be able to view have been selected based on a series of criteria other than looks such as wearer comfort and visibility, ease of assembly and materials. The new design will be structured on more than looks. 

“Some of that is utility of the suit, the person wearing the suit, we have to make sure that they are going to be safe or mobile,” said Cowser. “Crazy things that you wouldn’t think about like will he or she be able to put the suit on his or herself.”

Mike Legendre, an alumnus who has worked with Disney corporations on their mascots and costuming provided insight on these criteria.

“He was able to provide advice via long distance because he lives in Ohio,” said Cowser. “He was a tremendous asset in this process. Both of the companies have been great about saying that they will get all of these things right with our considerations. It’s exciting. We will do a reveal after Roomie does his own personal makeover.”