Dooley Statue

Emory's Dooley Week has been celebrated since the 1950s. It's named after Dooley, a skeleton who has been the university's unofficial mascot since the 1890s. The entire campus celebrates this weeklong event with a parade, concerts, comedy shows, and athletic competitions. During Dooley Week, students are able to bond with one another and experience Emory's unique spirit. So, get ready to don your Dooley gear and join in the festivities!

Though most are aware of Emory University’s official mascot, Swoop the Eagle, not too many know about the mysterious legend of the skeleton Dooley, our unofficial mascot. Though Swoop dates back to the 1960s, when he was chosen by the sports editor of the Emory Wheel to become the university mascot, Dooley dates back all the way to 1899, when the school newspaper began a gossip column written from the perspective of a skeleton hanging in the back of a biology classroom and eavesdropping on students’ conversations. Though many students have preferences as to their favorite mascot, both can be seen at our athletics events, arts performances, and spirit weeks, championing the spirit of Emory wherever they go.