UCSD Student Body President Reveals Himself as Campus Batman

William Simpson, the Associated Students President, surprised students by unveiling himself as the mysterious UCSD Batman

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:18pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring the iconic Batman symbol repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in a vibrant neon palette with heavy black outlines, capturing the playful and mysterious nature of the UCSD Batman saga.The UCSD Batman persona captivated the student body, sparking intense speculation about the anonymous hero's true identity before the dramatic unmasking.San Diego Today

After weeks of speculation, UCSD Associated Students President William Simpson revealed himself as the campus's mysterious Batman figure during a highly anticipated event on Tuesday evening. Simpson, who had been secretly operating an Instagram account as 'UCSD Batman', surprised the gathered crowd by dramatically removing his mask and costume to confirm his identity as the student superhero.

Why it matters

The UCSD Batman persona had captured the imagination of the student body over the past several weeks, with many speculating about the true identity of the masked vigilante. Simpson's reveal as the Batman figure has generated significant buzz on campus, highlighting the power of creative student engagement initiatives to build community and school spirit.

The details

The event began with students crowding around a yellow Batman logo drawn in chalk in front of the Geisel Library. As the crowd waited eagerly, two other students initially claimed to be the real UCSD Batman before Simpson dramatically emerged from the library steps in an elaborate Batman costume, silencing the crowd. After removing his mask, Simpson explained that his time as Batman was coming to an end and that he hoped to pass the mantle on to another student willing to continue the legacy.

  • The event took place on Tuesday, April 13, 2026 at 8 p.m.
  • The UCSD Batman Instagram account had been active for several weeks prior to the reveal event.

The players

William Simpson

The Associated Students President at UC San Diego who revealed himself as the campus's mysterious Batman figure.

Sophie Holmes

The creator of the @whoisucsdbatman Instagram account who helped organize the event to unveil the true identity of UCSD Batman.

Cole Porter

A first-year student who was initially suspected of being the UCSD Batman, but was ultimately revealed not to be the true masked hero.

Charlie Reeves

A third-year student and A.S. director of programs and initiatives who briefly claimed to be the UCSD Batman before being quickly dismissed by the crowd.

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What they’re saying

“'My time as Batman is unfortunately over. I believe that my job has been accomplished. Students have been enlightened; they've been happy. It's brought positivity to their day, and I believe that it's time for someone else to take the mask. So, while William Simpson is done with Batman, Batman is not done himself.'”

— William Simpson, UCSD Associated Students President

“'Maybe the real Batman was the friends we made along the way.'”

— Cole Porter

What’s next

Simpson announced that he would release a Google Form for students interested in taking over the UCSD Batman persona, stating that he hopes 'for Batman to live on far after [he] is a student here at UC San Diego.'

The takeaway

The UCSD Batman reveal event showcased the creativity and community-building potential of student engagement initiatives, as well as the enduring appeal of superhero narratives on college campuses. Simpson's decision to pass the Batman mantle to another student reflects a desire to sustain the positive impact of the persona beyond his own tenure as student body president.