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Updated Rowdy illustrations for the new semester

Use the refreshed mascot images to promote programs, events and opportunities throughout the year.

This semester, promote new programs, events and opportunities with new Rowdy the Roadrunner art.  

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Communications and Marketing (UCM) team has developed two new two-dimensional Rowdy illustrations, adding to the much-used set that was released in September 2022. The new images include a Rowdy prVisual graphic of rowdy mascot headofile option and a “flexing” Rowdy. 

Developed in Adobe Illustrator, Vector Rowdy is directly inspired by MSU Denver’s mascot character. The illustrations are collectively referred to as “Vector Rowdy” in tribute to the mathematics-based tools used in Adobe Illustrator to create them. 

Ruth M'Gonigle, Brand Manager

“Over the past year and a half, Vector Rowdy has proven to be a much-loved visual that MSU Denver entities have enjoyed using to liven up digital and printed marketing materials,” said Ruth M’Gonigle, brand manager. “With advice from University Advancement team members, the UCM team created the next development of mascot illustrations to keep the enthusiasm going.” 

How to use Vector Rowdy illustrations

Designers can find all iterations of Vector Rowdy as well as a handy Quick Reference Guide in the Marketing Toolkit. Files available include Ai (vector), PDF and PNG forms.   

“The benefit of Vector Rowdy is to provide an easier-to-use alternative to the photographic version,” said Cheryl Moehlenbrock, design specialist. “With Vector Rowdy, artwork is easier to access through the Marketing Toolkit; is easier to reproduce for offset printing, screen printing, digital projection, etc.; and keeps the file size more manageable.”

Vector Rowdy can be accessed on SharePoint with an msudenver.edu email. Users may have to log in to SharePoint to browse or download the artwork.  

Please submit any questions about Vector Rowdy use or related needs via the Request/Consultation form.  

The story of Rowdy

Fun fact: Rowdy the Roadrunner was not MSU Denver’s original mascot. When the institution was founded in 1965, students chose the mustang as the school’s inaugural mascot. However, a 1968 vote updated the mascot to the roadrunner (since the students had to run between buildings scattered throughout downtown). The mascot was later named “Rowdy” and went through several makeovers over the years. MSU Denver’s most recent Rowdy incarnation was adopted in 2010.