Purdue has two mascots, one is one of the scariest mascots in the NCAA, the other is a train/car hybrid, which is considered their “official” mascot.
However, this week, we will be going on a deep-dive into Purdue Pete, because let’s face it, train/car hybrids don’t suck.
Origins
Purdue Pete was first created in 1940 when the university book store owners Doc Epple and Red Sammons hired Art Evans, an artist to create the mascot as an advertising logo.
However, he did not get his name until 1944 when “Debris,” the school yearbook, wanted to use him on the cover.