Happy 40th Birthday, Truman Tiger!
Happy 40th birthday, Truman Tiger!
Since making his debut in 1986, Truman has become much more than a mascot. He is a beloved symbol of school spirit, a familiar face in the community, and a champion who proudly represents Mizzou on the national stage.
Truman’s story began long before his refreshed look debuted in 1986. His roots reach back to the Civil War era, connecting generations of Tigers to a remarkable history of courage, community, and tradition.
Since making his debut in 1986, Truman has become much more than a mascot. He is a beloved symbol of school spirit, a familiar face in the community, and a champion who proudly represents Mizzou on the national stage.
Truman’s story began long before his refreshed look debuted in 1986. His roots reach back to the Civil War era, connecting generations of Tigers to a remarkable history of courage, community, and tradition.
The mascot itself received his name in 1984. Previously, Mizzou had two tiger mascots, a male and a female, but neither had an individual identity. To change that, the cheerleaders organized a campus contest inviting students to suggest a name for the Tiger. Since then, Truman has become an instantly recognizable face of the University of Missouri and a beloved ambassador for Tiger spirit.
In 1986, Truman was ready for a makeover. The mascot’s caricature, image, materials, and colors needed an upgrade to better capture his personality and represent the energy of Mizzou athletics. The redesigned Truman made his first appearance at the Missouri–Utah State football game in 1986. That debut marked the beginning of the version of Truman whose legacy we celebrate today.
For 40 years, Truman has inspired school spirit, strengthened community connections, and reminded us what it means to be part of the Mizzou family.
Happy 40th birthday, Truman Tiger! Four decades of cheers, four decades of memories, and four decades of Mizzou pride. Here’s to many more years of roaring, rallying, and representing the black and gold!
In 1986, Truman was ready for a makeover. The mascot’s caricature, image, materials, and colors needed an upgrade to better capture his personality and represent the energy of Mizzou athletics. The redesigned Truman made his first appearance at the Missouri–Utah State football game in 1986. That debut marked the beginning of the version of Truman whose legacy we celebrate today.
Today, he makes more than 35 appearances each month, attending Mizzou football and basketball games, other athletic events, hospital visits, school programs, civic functions, and community gatherings. From rallying fans in the stands to greeting children and bringing smiles to patients, Truman has become much more than a game-day personality. He represents the warmth, enthusiasm, and community spirit that make Mizzou special.
Truman’s accomplishments are just as impressive as his personality. In 2004, he was recognized as “Best Mascot in the Nation,” earning the honor again in 2014. In 2024, Truman added another major achievement to his legacy by being named an NCA College Nationals champion, further cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s outstanding collegiate mascots.
Truman’s accomplishments are just as impressive as his personality. In 2004, he was recognized as “Best Mascot in the Nation,” earning the honor again in 2014. In 2024, Truman added another major achievement to his legacy by being named an NCA College Nationals champion, further cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s outstanding collegiate mascots.
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| Display on the first level of MU Student Center |
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| Display on the first level of MU Student Center |
For 40 years, Truman has inspired school spirit, strengthened community connections, and reminded us what it means to be part of the Mizzou family.
Happy 40th birthday, Truman Tiger! Four decades of cheers, four decades of memories, and four decades of Mizzou pride. Here’s to many more years of roaring, rallying, and representing the black and gold!
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