SLU's mascot is the Billiken. But what exactly IS a Billiken?Saint Louis University's famous mascot dates back to 1908, when Kansas City artist Florence Pretz, inspired by a well-known poem, started creating an elfin figure.It didn’t take long for the impish creature to gain popularity. She called him a Billiken.The Billiken began appearing everywhere - on plates, dolls, jewelry, and more. When he was cast in plaster and set atop a throne, he became a symbol of “things as they ought to be,” - something he’s still known for today.So, how did this pop culture phenomenon make his way to SLU?In 1910, people began to notice that John Bender, SLU’s football coach at the time, bore a resemblance to everyone’s favorite fad character.The team soon became known as “Bender’s Billikens.” And the rest, as they say, is history.Through his years as a symbol of SLU, the Billiken’s grown up. Each generation has had its own take on his look.SLU’s loveable icon evolved into a more human form over time, attending events and hyping up crowds.Since then, the Billiken has become much more than just a symbol. You can find him here, here, or even here.Even better, the Billiken is believed to bring good luck (and SLU’s winning Division I sports teams would agree!). Catch students, alumni and fans rubbing the Billiken belly before a big game or a final exam.Being a Billiken is a way of life at SLU; at Saint Louis University, we’re all Billikens, not just the athletes.Just like SLU students, the Billiken is one-of-a-kind. And as the only school to claim the Billiken as a mascot, SLU’s always stood out from the crowd.About Us Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University (slu.edu) is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers nearly 13,000 students a rigorous, transformative education of the whole person. At the core of the University’s diverse community of scholars is SLU’s service-focused mission, which challenges and prepares students to make the world a better, more just place. Learn more at www.slu.edu.