Ivy Tech Unveils First-Ever Mascot

Rex the Monarch Lion will represent the Evansville campus at all future events.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:04am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stylized Monarch Lion mascot character repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the school's new icon into modern pop art.Ivy Tech's new Monarch Lion mascot, Rex, will bring a bold, celebratory energy to the community college's Evansville campus events and activities.Evansville Today

Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville, Indiana has officially introduced its first-ever mascot, Rex the Monarch Lion. The new mascot was inspired by the previous occupant of the building, Rex Mundi High School, which was in existence from 1958 to 1972. Students and faculty voted on the mascot in 2024, and the design was developed with the help of a visual communications student.

Why it matters

The introduction of a mascot represents an important milestone for Ivy Tech's Evansville campus, as it helps establish a stronger sense of identity and school spirit for the community college. Mascots are a common way for educational institutions to build brand recognition and engage with students, alumni, and the local community.

The details

Rex the Monarch Lion was welcomed to campus on Tuesday with a celebratory event and welcome speech. Rebecca McQueen-Ruark, the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, stated that the mascot represents the college's desire to be 'the pride of Evansville' and 'the king of the Ivy Tech Campuses.' Gracie Defur, a visual communications major, was the inspiration behind the new mascot and assisted in developing the digital image of Rex.

  • Ivy Tech officially introduced Rex the Monarch Lion on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Rex Mundi High School, which previously occupied the building, was in existence from 1958 to 1972.
  • Students and faculty voted on the new mascot in the Spring of 2024.

The players

Rebecca McQueen-Ruark

The Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Ivy Tech's Evansville campus.

Gracie Defur

A visual communications major at Ivy Tech who was the inspiration behind the new mascot and assisted in developing the digital image of Rex.

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What they’re saying

“The mascot for us means a symbol of identity, not just a nod from our past and here we are in the present, but also who we want to be. We want to be the pride of Evansville. We want to be strong like a Lion and we consider ourselves the king of the Ivy Tech Campuses as well.”

— Rebecca McQueen-Ruark, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

What’s next

Rex the Monarch Lion will now represent the Evansville campus at all future Ivy Tech events.

The takeaway

The introduction of a mascot is an exciting milestone for Ivy Tech's Evansville campus, as it helps build a stronger sense of community identity and school spirit. The new mascot, Rex the Monarch Lion, was inspired by the campus's previous occupant, Rex Mundi High School, and was developed with input from students and faculty.