August 11, 2025 - The SRJC Bear Cub was first drawn in 1919 for the 1920 yearbook. The cub was cute and lively, and it sometimes had a little hat. In the 1930s and 1940s, designs featured the SRJC mascot wearing certain attire. In the 1950s, when Rosco became a real walking mascot, he’d often wear a hat or scarf, and, looking back through our archives, we also noticed the occasional athletics t-shirt. 

Back-to-school shopping and getting new clothes are a big deal for all students, and Rosco wanted to experience that, too. 

Fast-forward to this year’s Fashion Studies parade, Wild Metropolis. Our talented students had a blast recycling, upcycling, and showing off their creations on the Petaluma Campus, where the program is hosted. And an idea started to form… What if we surprised Rosco with his first-ever back-to-school attire? 

This summer, Fashion Studies Program Coordinator Emily Melville heard about Rosco’s wish, and three of her students decided to help, researching the design for a trendy outfit. Emily and student Tori Dougherty took measurements and did a fit check with a toile Emily put together overnight. Tori, her colleague Henrik Gutt, and another student, who wished to remain anonymous, worked on finalizing the design, taking apart pairs of recycled blue jeans, and assembling everything according to the pattern and measurements. Since this is the first custom outfit ever, the students and instructor signed their names on the inside of the garment and wrote the date when they finished the item. 

The result will be on display at the 2025 Welcome Day. Rosco is hoping to walk on the campuses and welcome our new and returning students wearing his brand-new, upcycled, custom-designed outfit – a gift from his fellow students in the Fashion Studies Program, his fans in the Marketing & Communications Office, and Student Support Services.