Traditions

A History of the University of West Florida

The University of West Florida (UWF) was founded in 1955 when the Florida Legislature authorized the State Board of Education to locate a state university in Escambia County and Governor Bryant secured 2.5 million dollars for its inception. This decision made UWF the sixth state institution in the State University System of Florida. Ground was broken on April 16, 1965 and the first classes were held at Town and Country Plaza and Pensacola Junior College in 1965. Classes were held for the first time on the main campus in 1967. From 1967 to 1983 UWF was structured as an upper division university, enrolling only third and fourth year students. In the fall semester of 1983, UWF enrolled its first freshmen class. The UWF main campus is located on a 1600 acre nature preserve sprinkled with nature trails and wildlife. In addition to the main campus, UWF also owns 152 acres of beachfront property.

Our UWF Mascot: The Argonaut

In October 1967, students at the newly opened University of West Florida voted to select the school's mascot. Would competitors in the athletic arenas be known as the Seahawks, the Mariners, the Marlins or the Argonauts? Perhaps the students just liked the sound of the name, or perhaps they were wiser than their years, for the outcome gave birth to a prophecy that will define UWF forever. Their choice was the legendary Argonauts, the courageous Greek sailors, Jason & The Argonauts who ventured across treacherous seas in search of the Golden Fleece. Remarkably, the history of UWF's athletic program has paralleled the story of those noble, ancient mariners. The journey is inspired and symbolic, like that of our namesake. The saga of the Argonaut is a voyage of excellence.

The Legend of Jason & The Argonauts

In order to claim his birthright as king of Iolcus, Jason had to bring back the golden fleece from the city of Colchis. The fleece was owned by King Aeetes, and was guarded by a serpent that never slept. Jason gathered a group of heroes to set sail and retrieve the magical fleece. Among these heroes were Hercules, Theseus, Orpheus, Castor and Pollux. They set sail on the ship Argo, and thus called themselves the Argonauts.

The Argonauts encountered many dangers along the way. Some of their brave deeds include rescuing an oracle king from the harpies who tormented him, and escaping a clan of women who killed all their men. As they neared Colchis, they came to an inlet where two giant rocks stood on each side of the way through. According to legend, these rocks would close together and crush any ship that came through. Jason sent a dove through the rocks, and they closed together on it. The dove escaped, but its tail was pinched as it flew out the other end. Taking this as a sign from the gods, Jason went through the rocks. The Argo escaped, but the tail of the Argo was crushed.

Upon reaching Colchis, Jason met with King Aeetes. The king was reluctant to give up his fleece, but he agreed that Jason could have it if he passed the test that would be set before him. The test was for Jason to plant a field of dragon teeth. He was to plow the field with bulls that breath fire. The dragon teeth would then grow into an army of men, and he must defeat them. The king's daughter Medea fell in love with Jason. Being a sorceress, she offered to help him pass the test. She gave Jason a lotion that would protect him from the bulls' flames. She also told Jason to throw a rock into the center of the army that rose from the dragon teeth. He did so and the men turned and fought each other. After the test, Medea again used her sorcery to tame the snake that guarded the golden fleece.

Jason returned to his home with the fleece, and was crowned king.