College of Western Idaho Otters. A new semester, a new chapter, a new mascot

Let's Go Otters

Introducing CWI's New Mascot

Mascots are integral brand ambassadors, embodying the spirit of organizations while serving as a memorable, relatable symbol. Through an inclusive and collaborative journey, in partnership with our campus community, we are proud to announce the launch of our mascot, the Otter. The Otter serves as a symbol for our thriving community to rally around while paying tribute to the accomplishments made and the growth to come at College of Western Idaho (CWI).

We are the Otters

Inspiration

Founded in 2007, CWI has rapidly become Idaho's largest community college. Established to provide affordable, accessible education, the College now serves a diverse student body and has achieved numerous milestones. As we celebrate our growth and look to the future, this mascot will embody the curious, resilient, dynamic, and collaborative spirit of CWI, mirroring our students' ability to thrive and innovate in various fields and environments.

Curious: Like river otters exploring their surroundings with wonder, curiosity drives us to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and continually expand our understanding of the world around us.
Resilient: Otters are known for their agility and ability to adapt to changing conditions, a trait that mirrors our community's ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
Dynamic: River otters are known for their playful, energetic, and social nature, reflecting CWI's dynamic environment where our students and faculty are always on the move, bringing new ideas to life and making a positive impact.
Collaborative: Emulating otters' teamwork in hunting and playing, CWI's mascot symbolizes the unity and cooperation essential to our community's success and meaningful contributions.

Otter Anatomical Analysis sketches from Marine Otter, North American River Otter, to the Giant Otter.

Mascot Design

Behind the Scenes

CWI's new mascot graphic is a blend of symbolism and modern design, reflecting the core values and dynamic spirit of our community. Known for its resilience, and intelligence, the otter is depicted with a sleek and contemporary aesthetic to resonate with both students and faculty.

The mascot graphics embody confidence and drive, key traits that reflect the academic pursuit of CWI students. Its streamlined and agile form symbolizes the adaptability and forward momentum of the CWI community, much like the otter's fluid movements through water. Additionally, the use of our brand colors evoked the natural habitats of the North American River Otter, enhancing the connection between the College, the mascot, and the environment it represents.

Wordmark Design

Behind the Scenes

The wordmark for the College's new mascot graphic balances the aesthetic of Idaho's Western spirit and its history of innovation. The slant to the right represents CWI's forward-thinking vision and commitment to Idaho learners. This custom wordmark is modern and versatile, ensuring it stands out across various applications, from digital screens to printed materials. By harmonizing seamlessly with the otter head and body graphic, the wordmark creates a cohesive and powerful visual representation that is easily recognizable and memorable.

River the Otter

Mascot Name

River the Otter is CWI’s official mascot, named through an inclusive community survey and review process. River reflects our community’s spirit and preferences, embodying the dynamic nature of our mascot and specifying it as a river otter. This distinction is important because river otters and sea otters, though similar, have different looks, habitats, sizes, and swimming styles. Naming our mascot River celebrates these unique traits and our connection to the local environment.

Otter Merch

At the Bookstore

Grab your Otter gear and show your CWI spirit — t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and more are on sale now at the Bookstore!

Students sitting in lawn with Otters t-shirt on

Questions?

Marketing & Communications
communications@cwi.edu
208.562.2222

CWI Otter Style Guide