Nazareth College Flight of the Flyers

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s...well, actually, it IS a bird! Even as we speak, Golden Flyers are winging across the globe (via the postal system!) to alumni doorsteps as part of the Golden Flyer Challenge. Their mission? To bring the spirit of the purple and gold to those whose classes are being honored at the next Nazareth College Reunion Weekend 2010.

How Flight of the Flyers Works

	A flyer arrives at your doorstep. Don't panic. Your class’s Flyer should have arrived in a package with care instructions (and some airholes). If it’s not your Reunion year you can still get in on the fun by printing your own Flyer, which is good, too.		Check in your little visitor on this website. Use this site to let us know where the Flyer is and that (s)he’s ok. A picture is great proof!
	Mail your Flyer to a Nazareth Classmate. Click here to find a classmate to send your bird to. Make sure to check the map to see which of your classmates has already participated in the Golden Flyer Challenge.		Track your Flyer’s migration. You can see where your class’s Flyer has been, and where (s)he goes after your visit. See if your Flyer has made the travel leaderboard!

Flyer Leaderboard

1965 47,804 miles

1960 13,551 miles

1995 10,168 miles

2000 5,751 miles

1990 5,654 miles

1970 5,552 miles

2005 4,414 miles

1980 2,287 miles

1985 2,040 miles

1975 204 miles

Ever wondered how Nazareth’s mascot came to be named "Golden Flyer?"

We did a little research, and it seems the name was adopted in 1977 with the advent of Nazareth men's basketball. Members of the Nazareth community were asked to suggest names fitting the bird-like symbol that was part of the College's then-official logo. A committee then selected the final name from the three most popular suggestions: "Flyer," "Wings" and "Firebirds." The word "Golden" was then added to reflect Nazareth’s colors, purple and gold.

While a handful of other schools (and a Philadelphia hockey team) also use the name "Flyers," Nazareth is the sole possessor of "Golden Flyers."