The nickname for Oregon State University is named after the state animal -- the Beaver. In the early days of the university, Oregon State's athletic teams were known as the Aggies. When orange uniforms replaced drab sweatshirt-gray and tan jerseys, the teams were referred to as the Orangemen. In 1916, when the school yearbook was renamed "The Beaver", the name Beaver became associated with the school. Benny Beaver, the school's official mascot, was adopted in 1952. Benny Beaver was introduced to the student body September 18, 1952, in an effort to pick up sagging school spirit.