The original qilin statue that inspired 鶹Ӱ’s mascot went missing for 55 years. Through that time, the Boxer Spirit never disappeared. New incarnations of the statue appeared (and sometimes disappeared), and the heart of 鶹Ӱ — the spirit of inclusion, family and pride that Boxer has always represented — lived on.
But in 2024, the original statue was rediscovered and returned to campus, bringing new energy and celebration to the storied symbol of 鶹Ӱ.
Learn more about the history, meaning and future of Boxer!
Boxer Origins
Boxer is a creature from Chinese culture called a qilin (chee-lin). The qilin mixes together the characteristics of several animals. Its legs and antler are from a deer; its scales and whiskers are from a carp; its tail is like that of a lion or an ox; and its face resembles a dragon. The qilin was believed to be a wise and beautiful magical being that would appear in order to signal the birth or death of a great ruler or sage. It was so peaceful in nature that it would not crush the grass by walking on it, but instead would fly or walk on water. Known as kirin in Japanese, this mythical animal symbolizes good luck, prosperity and fertility.
The original inspiration for Boxer was a bronze incense burner gifted to the university around 1896 by the family of Rev. J.E. Walker, a missionary who acquired the statue while living in China. The statue was originally known as "College Spirit" at Pacific, reflecting the honored place it had within student life on campus.
Boxer I (1896-1969)
Shortly after the original Boxer statue arrived on campus, students began a tradition of competing for the statue.
The Boxer Toss was the traditional way in which one group of students passed on possession of the statue to another group. Groups battled for possession of the statue in good-natured scrimmages that sometimes resulted in bumps and bruises. The scrimmages began after the group in possession of the statue “flashed” or “tossed” out Boxer by displaying the mascot somewhere on campus for students to see. After a Boxer Toss, the statue was hidden for stretches of time, sometimes years.
"He’s a strange tradition and the spirit of Pacific. He’s their mascot, their emblem, the love of their life." — The Oregonian, November 1950
As Boxer was passed around the student body during Tosses, pieces of the statue often ended up in different places. But the mascot was mended many times.
“His head and forelegs have parted company with his torso many times. His plume tail was amputated in a bout years ago and is being passed among the alumni. Unlike Humpty Dumpty, Boxer always gets back together again.” — Pageant Magazine, 1950
Boxer officially became Pacific’s mascot in 1968 after students voted in favor of replacing the original school mascot, Benny Badger, with Boxer. Many felt that Boxer was a better representation of the university. Students held a "funeral" for Benny Badger.
The original Boxer statue went missing in 1969. Rumors of its whereabouts abounded, but the trail went cold.
Boxer II+ (1987-2008)
In the 1980s, a new statue was cast as Boxer II, which was also a robust contributor to campus life until it, too, went missing in 2008.
In the 2000s, the Student Senate created an updated Boxer mascot costume to carry on the Boxer tradition. The costumed mascot appeared at athletic competitions and other events, representing the spirit of Boxer.
In 2006, Pacific dedicated a large replica of Boxer on its Forest Grove Campus. The 12-foot-tall sculpture was made by a local artist from recycled metal, and it is perched in Vandervelden Court, keeping a watchful eye on Pacific’s campus. Students periodically decorate the giant Boxer to commemorate special moments, like graduation.
In the late 2000s, the Under鶹Ӱ Student Senate also commissioned dozens of plaster replicas, which are displayed on Pacific’s campuses and in the surrounding community. Incoming under鶹Ӱ students have the chance to sign a plaster Boxer as they become part of the Pacific community.
Meanwhile, the search for Boxer I continued. The tail of the original statue — which had been disconnected in a Boxer Toss and went missing before the rest of the statue disappeared in 1969 — was returned home by an alumnus in 2012. An ear and hoof were recovered shortly thereafter.
Boxer III (2018 to present)
In 2018, a group of alumni initiated an effort to recast Boxer one again. Working with the artist who created the Boxer II statue — and with significantly more historical data, including photos and pieces of the original statue — the university commissioned a new incarnation of the statue, which is a respectful replica of the original statue. Boxer III was funded by the gifts of alumni and friends and debuted at Homecoming 2018.
Boxer Comes Full Circle
In Spring 2024, the original Boxer statue returned to campus after 55 years of mystery. A few months later, a foot — one of the last remaining major remnants — also was returned by alumni.
Battered from years of Boxer tosses, Boxer I bears the memories of generations of tradition. Pieces have broken off; some of been welded (roughly) back together. Alumni names and messages are engraved all over the body. Generations of history live in the scarred metal.
The days of rowdy tosses and statue-stealing long gone, Boxer I and Boxer III now live under lock-and-key, making appearances at special events. In 2024-2025, as 鶹Ӱ celebrates its 175th anniversary, Boxer I will tour, giving alumni an opportunity to reconnect with their beloved mascot and introducing it to a new generation of Pacific students. Plans are underway to create a secure display location where Boxer I can eventually retire on public display, while Boxer III takes over public appearances following the anniversary celebration.
