Tufts Blogs

When people think about what makes Tufts a great school, the rigorous academics, bountiful extracurricular activities, and prime Boston location are often among the first attributes that come to mind. One often-overlooked, albeit in my opinion, equally important aspect is Tufts’ mascot, Jumbo the Elephant. Formerly the legendary centerpiece of P.T. Barnum’s circus, Jumbo has embodied Tufts for over 100 years, and his influence spans athletic fields, classrooms, and university lore. Simply, Jumbo provides Tufts with one of the most unique identities of any college in the country. Hence, as Jumbos, I feel that we should do our best to incorporate Jumbo’s wisdom and presence into our daily lives. Here are three ways to do just that. 

1. Walk by the Jumbo statue

Situated right in front of Barnum Hall on the Academic Quad, Jumbo’s 12-foot by 18-foot bronze incarnation has inhabited the locale in its current form since 2015. Whether you’re on your way to class, headed to the nearby Tisch Library, or walking back to your dorm, Jumbo acts as an unmistakable marker of your being on the Hill. In many ways, it is comforting to see such a familiar presence looming large over busy students. After all, how many other schools can say that there is a literal massive elephant in the room while they’re at school? Moreover, walking by Jumbo's statue can help to increase school spirit and provide some much-needed levity to a stressful day. So, whether Jumbo dominates your daily route or you have to take a detour to pass by, try to check out the statue as often as possible. Just don't climb it. 

2. Incorporate Jumbo decor

This is a tip that my mother has taken to heart. Ever since I committed to Tufts during my senior year of high school, I’ve been flooded with elephant decorations for my dorm room and, subsequently, my off-campus house. At least twice a week, it seems like she returns from HomeGoods with another Jumbo-adjacent tchotchke for me to take back to school. Whether it be elephant mugs, bookends, figurines, posters, or notebooks, there are a multitude of knick-knacks that can ensure Jumbo’s presence all around your living space. For more Tufts-specific Jumbo swag, try to pick up a flag or coaster from the Tufts Bookstore to place around your abode. Though these practices may seem silly, I’ve found that the abundant elephants help to put a smile on my face each day. Additionally, they ensure that Tufts is never far from the front of your mind, which, if you’ve made it your undergraduate home, is a splendid extra benefit. So, the next time a Jumbo catches your eye, make sure to toss it in your shopping cart and use it to showcase your school enthusiasm. 

3. Adopt Jumbo’s mindset

The most abstract of these tips, we as Jumbo students can learn a lot from real-life elephants. For instance, an elephant’s brain is three times larger than a human’s, containing 257 million fibers compared to our 86 million. Hence, they are known for being highly open-minded and curious, traits that eager-to-learn Jumbos should apply to their own experiences in class on the Hill. In addition, elephants are recognized as having incredible memories. While it would be nice to apply this characteristic during your late-night study sessions in Tisch Library, it is also useful to apply it throughout your Tufts experience. Have fun, try new things, and make amazing memories that you won’t forget any time soon. Furthermore, elephants are known for being extremely collaborative. Mothers, siblings, aunts, and other members of the herd are responsible for jointly caring for young Jumbos. During your time at Tufts, strive to build a collaborative, trustworthy community of peers, whether in classes, clubs, or socially, to make the most of your experience. Lastly, elephants famously love to play. While at Tufts, heed their advice by leaving ample time for clubs, sports, and Boston explorations to enhance your Jumbo experience. 

In the end, Tufts is lucky to have such a unique representative in the form of Jumbo. Not only does the name prompt a chuckle when people hear it, but it also provides a point of commonality for the school’s community to rally behind. No matter where you go or how many years pass after you graduate, you will always be a Jumbo. Thus, it would be wise to lean into Jumbo’s presence as much as you can. 

Photo Credit: Jenna Schad, Tufts University