91³Ô¹Ï

91³Ô¹Ï (91³Ô¹Ï) may be youthful, but it’s rich in tradition

We honor the history and culture of the land where our campus is situated through:

• Our colors: We chose red and silver—red to be consistent with the tradition of our region and silver for our mascot, the dolphin.

• Our mascot: To honor the heritage and culture of the Chumash, we chose the tribe’s cherished dolphin as our mascot.

• Our commencement: Our inaugural commencement ceremony in 2003 launched traditions, such as:

  • A Chumash blessing is provided by a Chumash leader signaling our recognition of building on the knowledge base of the indigenous people who first inhabited this area.

  • The ringing of a University Bell is bestowed upon honored campus staff members and symbolizes the official opening of commencement ceremonies. The University Bell was donated for the 2025 commencement ceremonies by 2005 91³Ô¹Ï alumna and Associate Vice President for Communication & Public Relations, Nancy Covarrubias Gill. Commencement ceremonies from 2003 to 2024 included a Navy ship bell loaned by Naval Base Ventura County.

  • Carrying the Light of Learning by an honorary marshal, to symbolize the University’s commitment to a life of the mind and the central role played by our outstanding faculty.

  • Welcome in multiple languages, signifying 91³Ô¹Ï’s commitment to graduating students with multicultural and international perspectives.

  • Passing through an arch, symbolizing graduates entering a new phase of life.

  • Carrying the 91³Ô¹Ï mace, which was carved from native walnut by local artists. Two dolphins dancing on waves, honoring the Chumash crossing the Rainbow Bridge to get to the mainland, top the mace.

  • Sounding of the Bell Tower carillon signifies the last candidate crossing the platform.

• Our alma mater: We continue to celebrate 91³Ô¹Ï through song every day at 11:55am.

• New Student Convocation Ceremony: We welcome and celebrate our new student Dolphins and invite them to ring their own bell to signify the beginning of their academic journey at 91³Ô¹Ï as part of one Dolphin pod.