GO Ichabods!!!!!
This unusual mascot was chosen to honor the school's early benefactor, Ichabod Washburn.
Washburn University was originally established as Lincoln College in 1865. Three years later, the school faced bankruptcy, and Washburn, a Massachusetts philanthropist, donated $25,000 to the school. In appreciation of this gift, the name of the educational institution was changed to Washburn College.
Ichabod Washburn was respected as a man of public spirit and strong moral character, virtues students sought to reflect with the adoption of the Ichabod as the school mascot. For the first 70 years, however, the mascot existed in name only. It wasn't until 1938 that the original design of the studious-looking, tuxedo-clad figure was created by Bradbury Thompson, a student who became a nationally recognized graphic artist.