USI’s Mascot Archie the Eagle Reveals True Identity at 2025 Graduation

Graduation time is always so exciting. Students celebrate their amazing accomplishments as they prepare to head out into the world with their hard-earned diplomas. Families cheer them on while mamas dab their eyes as they become empty nesters.

Speaking of cheering...and nests... or birds, rather... A recent TikTok trend has hit Southern Indiana. College mascots from all over the country are revealing their true identities as they graduate. If you are a sports fan, you may even find yourself getting a little verklempt as they pass the torch (and the oversized animal head) to the next lucky student.

Who Was the University of Southern Indiana's Mascot in 2025?

USI's Archibald T. Eagle, AKA Archie, has traded that big ole feathered costume for a cap and gown. You may be surprised at who has been bouncing around in that suit this whole time. Drum Roll please...

@archieeagleusi The Eagle has landed!!! A message from #USIGrad and former () Archie the Eagle, Susanna Shepard! "Hey! I'm Susanna Shepard and my major is in Elementary Education. I have been Archie for the past three years at USI and I have loved every last second of it. I will never forget the joy of being at all of the basketball games and other campus events with the USI students. Any advice I could offer to any future Archie's out there would be to have fun with the crowds at the games. Some of my best memories were from hanging out with the students during the basketball games. I am so glad I had this opportunity to be Archie for USI and I wish the future Archie's the best of luck." Congratulations Susanna! We wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors! Thank you for sharing your Archie with us! ✨ - #screaglepride #archietheeagle #humscreags #usialumni #graduation #usigrad ♬ original sound - Archibald T. Eagle

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Maybe it's the mama in me, but I totally teared up watching Susanna walk across the stage wearing her eagle feet. What a ray of sunshine she is! Thank you for hyping us up and making us smile over the past three years. All while acing those classes. I bet she's going to be an amazing teacher. Here's another great thank you video from the college.

@usiedu No words. Thank you, Susanna, for your years of service to the Archie Mascot Program and for bringing our favorite Screagle to life. #fyp #foryoupage #mascotreveal #mascot #college #collegemascot #commencement #grad #universityofsouthernindiana #ScreaglePride #usitok #archibaldeagle @Archibald T. Eagle ♬ original sound - University of Southern Indiana

I, for one, didn't realize that mascots conceal their identities as they go through their time at school. I totally knew who Louie the Cardinal was when I was at UofL, but then again, I am very nosy and observant. Do you know any mascots? It seems like really hard work, but I bet it's also a LOT of fun!