We are the Rams

Phil the Ram is more than a mascot. He is a thread in the rich tapestry of our university’s history, weaving together the legacies of Philadelphia Textile School, Philadelphia University, and Thomas Jefferson University. As Jefferson celebrates its bicentennial, we reflect on how we became the Rams.

John Steen ’59 was the basketball scorekeeper and clock operator alongside Bucky Harris. He attended all basketball games, where he witnessed how other teams mocked Textile’s mascot, the Weavers. He recalls:

It was February 1958 and we were playing St. Joseph's at Hawk Hill for the first time. As Textile's official scorekeeper, I'm sitting courtside and listening to their cheerleaders chanting, "Knit one, purl two, Textile yoo-hoo."

Everyone's laughing and I had enough.

The next morning at 8 a.m. I went to see President Hayward. I told him the story and told him that we needed a stronger mascot. He asked me what I thought. Although I wasn't prepared for that question, I immediately said that we should be called the Rams. President Hayward replied that he thought that was a good idea. He said he always had respect for me and knew that I was sports editor of the school paper and reporter to the Inquirer and Evening Bulletin, and he told me, "John, go with it."

Today we have a big Ram in front of the school as a result of that one meeting with President Hayward. And that's how it happened!

As the mascot of an institution renowned for fashion and textiles, it is no surprise that Phil's "look" evolved over the years, but his unyielding school spirit, energy, and enthusiasm remained steadfast.

After a mishap at Ronson sledding hill, known throughout the East Falls community as 'the Nuts' because of its inherent dangers, leaving Phil with a broken horn, Jefferson enlisted Dave Raymond of Raymond Entertainment, known for his work with the Phillie Phanatic and Gritty, to reimagine our treasured mascot. With the collaboration of our medical, physical therapy, industrial design, fashion design, and occupational therapy students, Phil was nursed back to health, equipped with a sleek carbon fiber bionic horn, styled by fashion design students, and taught to utilize it by occupational therapy students.

Phil reemerged from a lengthy absence sporting his bionic horn, and a mohawk, at a March 5 pep rally to celebrate Jefferson’s bicentennial and cheer on the women’s and men’s basketball teams before the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference playoffs.

The university community was ecstatic about Phil’s return to the sidelines. Dr. Aldridge, President of Thomas Jefferson University, welcomed him back to the public eye, saying “Phil represents strength and resilience. He’s a champion for our teams, for all of us, and he’s an ambassador to the community. For all the teams that really supported his recovery and worked to bring him back to great health, he can serve as a champion and ambassador for us.” 

"It is hard to believe it’s been more than 65 years since the PCTS Weavers became the Rams. The University has gone through two name changes since then, but the Ram is steadfast and strong. I’m very impressed with the new and improved “Phil the Ram” and proud to have him in the Jefferson RAMily! I am sure my dear friend and coach Bucky Harris would agree."

 - John L. Steen ‘59