The Rising Tide: Triton Legacy Collection Arrives

But why a Triton?

While some University of California schools embraced variations of the California state animal with the Golden Bears (UC Berkeley), Bruins (UCLA) and Scotty Highlander Bear (UC Riverside), others strayed from the ordinary or expected, including Banana Slugs (UCSC), Anteaters (UC Irvine), Mustangs (UC Davis), Gauchos (UC Santa Barbara) and Bobcats (UC Merced). And while it was possible for us to be named after something distinctly Southern Californian, UC San Diego sought inspiration in Greek mythology. (That’s so UC San Diego, right?)

Triton, a mythical Greek god with the upper body of a man and the lower body of a fish, was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, a demigod. Like this father, he carried a three-pronged golden trident. But Triton, the messenger of the sea, also carried a twisted conch shell, which he blew like a trumpet to calm or raise the ocean with crashing waves. He was revered by sailors for his ability to control the ocean tides and was relied on for safe passage.

With our proximity to the ocean and our founding father, Roger Revelle, a seafarer, oceanographer and leading advocate for the establishment of UC San Diego in 1960, it’s no wonder the “sea god” would be championed as mascot.

Ultimately, it was a student-led decision, determined by a vote of the inaugural class in 1964. While Triton beat out the Dolphins, other candidates on the ballot included Barracudas, Grizzly Bears and Hornets.

It would be more than 40 years later, in 2008, that our beloved Triton was finally cast in bronze by artist and UC San Diego alumna Manuelita Brown. The 750-pound bronze sculpture, located at the steps to Price Center East, has seamlessly integrated into student life at UC San Diego. Since its unveiling, it has been seen wearing a college shirt, a graduation cap and gown, and even a surgical mask during the pandemic.

Early UC San Diego students embraced the connection to the sea and championed the myth of Triton, a figure who represents ocean stewardship. Over time, Triton has become a campus icon found at sports events, festivals and celebrations with students honoring the legend by creating their own makeshift tridents, golden crowns and sporting long, flowing white beards.

For all Tritons who have come before, including alumni, faculty and staff — and for all who are yet to come — the Triton Legacy Collection is yours to proudly wear, a piece of UC San Diego’s storied history and continued spirit of innovation, transformation and ocean stewardship.

Visit the UC San Diego Bookstore to showcase your spirit and pride with the Triton Legacy Collection.