The Gorlok is Webster University

Webster University

Webster University is an American non-profit private university with its main campus in Webster Groves, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools...

's school mascot

Mascot

The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...

. It is a mythical creature that was designed by Webster staff and students through a school contest. It has the paws of a cheetah

Cheetah

The cheetah is a large-sized feline inhabiting most of Africa and parts of the Middle East. The cheetah is the only extant member of the genus Acinonyx, most notable for modifications in the species' paws...

, the horns of a buffalo

Buffalo

-Bovine:* African Buffalo or Cape Buffalo * American Buffalo, North American colloquial name for American Bison * Wisent, or Eurasian Buffalo...

, and the face of a Saint Bernard dog.

Origin of the name

The name was derived from the combination of the two streets that intersect in the heart of Old Webster

Webster Groves, Missouri

Webster Groves is an inner-ring suburb of St. Louis, located in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 22,995 at the 2010 census. The city is named after New England politician Daniel Webster....

, Gore and Lockwood Avenues. The name was chosen in June of 1984 by a campus committee that considered many suggestions before settling on the nickname.

History

Once a name was chosen, a contest was run in the October 4, 1984 issue of The Journal, the Webster University student newspaper. At the time the contest was run, only the name Gorlok had been decided. The contest required the applicants to submit a sketch as well as a description of how they thought a Gorlok would look. The winning entry included a picture of a blue and yellow creature holding a hand-held pump sprayer.

The first life-size reproduction of the Gorlok was not complete until 1988, and made its debut at the February 9, 1988 men's basketball game between Webster and St. Louis Christian College. That first Gorlok stood 6'3" and was covered in blue fur. It was designed and created by Jana Park-Rogers, a costume designer for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The St. Louis Repertory Theater is a repertory theater, based in Webster Groves, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. It is often referred to locally simply as "The Rep".The Rep is an award-winning venue, and is well regarded in the St...

, and Teri McConnell, creator of "Fredbird

Fredbird

Fredbird is the official mascot for the St. Louis Cardinals major league baseball team. He is an anthropomorphic cardinal wearing the team's uniform.  Fredbird can always be found entertaining young children during baseball games at Busch Stadium...

", the St. Louis Cardinals mascot.

The appearance of the Gorlok has changed over time. The current look is a golden furred creature sporting a blue T-shirt emblazoned with a white "W".