History

On January 17, 1914, President MacLaurin formally announced MIT’s adoption of the beaver as its official mascot. When charged to explain the decision, Lester Gardner ‘97 announced at the Technology Club of New York:

“We first thought of the kangaroo which, like Tech, goes forward in leaps and bounds. Then we considered the elephant. He is wise, patient, strong, hard working, like all who graduate from Tech, has a good hide. But neither of these were American animals. We turned to Mr. Hornady’s book on the animals of North America and instantly chose the beaver. The beaver not only typifies the Tech (student), but his habits are peculiarly our own. The beaver is noted for his engineering, mechanical skills, and industry. His habits are nocturnal. He does his best work in the dark.”

In the spring of 1929, C. Brigham Allen, President of the Class of 1929, appointed committee of three to design a ring the Institute Committee would approve as the Standard Technology Ring. These three students, one representative from the classes of 1930, 1931, and 1932, were charged to incorporate MIT’s mascot, the beaver, as its centerpiece.

Each subsequent class has designed its own unique ring to embody its class’s experience. The updates and modifications embody the ever-changing experience of student life at MIT. As the 82nd Ring Committee, we are proud to present the Class of 2013’s Brass Rat.