Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, was identified with the Greek god of fire and metal working, Hephaestus. He was chosen as the official mascot to honor the Monongahela Valley's long history of coal and steel production. This bronze sculpture of Vulcan, created by Alan Cottrill, was given to the University by the Student Association, Inc. and was unveiled on Homecoming Day, October 17, 2009.