The University of North Carolina at Wilmington revealed its 2026 Sammy C. Hawks during the spring Commencement Ceremonies on May 11, with graduating mascots Reece Braswell and Skylar Spencer making their final appearance as undergraduates.
The Seahawk mascot has been a part of UNCW since 1947, when the institution was known as Wilmington College. The mascot was chosen by a five-member student council, inspired by the Iowa Pre-Flight Seahawks football team and the university’s proximity to the beach.
“There is a lot of responsibility that goes into being Sammy,” said one Sammy C. Hawk. “To represent UNCW and the Wilmington community as Sammy is such an honor.”
Sammy did not receive an official name until 2004, when students participated in a campus-wide contest to select it. Kristin Jorgensen, a UNCW alumna, submitted “Sammy C. Hawk,” which won with more than 100 votes over other finalists such as “Slammin’ Sammy the Seahawk,” “Caesar the Seahawk” and “Breezer.”
Students who take on the role go through a “Sammy boot camp” before representing UNCW at events and games. Each brings their own style to Sammy’s personality while maintaining traditions established over decades. “Each Sammy has a little bit of their own touch on the ‘Sammy way’ mannerisms,” one graduating Sammy said. “I had the most fun and got the best reaction from the crowd when I was just myself — while it was a very exaggerated version of me, I tried to be as authentic as possible.”
Behind-the-scenes camaraderie is also important for those who play Sammy: “All Sammies look after each other,” said one participant in costume.
Graduating Sammies traditionally reveal their identities at commencement by wearing signature yellow feet across stage instead of full costumes—a moment many anticipate throughout their time in character. “This reveal is something all Sammies look forward to,” said another outgoing mascot. “The biggest tradition is earning the privilege to walk across the stage wearing the Sammy feet.”
