Joseph “Joe” Dick ’56, who created the first drawing of The University of Akron mascot Zippy while he was a UA student, died recently. Dick’s family shared the news in a Facebook post on May 19.

Dick’s drawing of Mr. Zip, as Zippy was known at the time, was created for a contest in 1953 that UA administrators launched for a kangaroo mascot design, deciding on a kangaroo with boxing gloves and a zipper. Dick’s rendition with a zippered pouch was one of three final selections, and students ultimately voted for his drawing.

Mr. Zip evolved over time with the realization that a kangaroo with a pouch is a female.

According to an interview of Dick that producer and director Alex Guyton did for a documentary about Zippy, Dick was active on campus as a student. He worked at The Buchtelite, where he created a cartoon strip and wrote articles about campus news. He also served as editor of the UA yearbook.

To see a video tribute, check out a video on Zippy’s Instagram page.

Guyton’s interview also noted that Dick inherited artistic abilities from his mother, and that Dick began his journey into cartooning at the young age of six. After high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1948-1950. He was stationed in Japan and utilized his cartooning skills to contribute to his troops' newspaper.

Dick was born in Akron and lived in Northeast Ohio, but did not meet the Zippy mascot until 70 years after Dick made his drawing. Click here to see a recording of the moment Zippy walked up to Dick’s house to meet for the first time, starting at around the 9 minute, 30 second mark.

The original drawing of Mr. Zip was featured in an exhibit of Dick’s work held in 2023 at Summit ArtSpace.

There are a number of ways in which the UA community can support the Zippy program:

Support Zippy: Powering the Spirit of Akron

Zippy is more than a mascot. Zippy represents pride, energy, tradition, and the spirit of The University of Akron. From game days to community events, Zippy brings joy to thousands of students, alumni, and friends each year. Your gift ensures that the magic continues. Contributions directly support the operational needs of the program, including costume maintenance, training, travel, appearances, and behind-the-scenes program expenses that keep Zippy active and engaging across campus and throughout the community. Every time Zippy takes the field, visits a local school, or celebrates with our fans, it strengthens the connection between the University and the community we serve. Your support helps sustain this iconic symbol of Akron pride and ensures that future generations experience the same excitement and spirit. Make your gift today and help keep Zippy moving, cheering, and inspiring.

Support Zippy's team with student scholarships (James R. and Phyllis C. Berry Zippy Endowed Scholarship)

The James R. and Phyllis C. Berry Zippy Endowed Scholarship Zippy is a symbol of pride, tradition, and spirit at The University of Akron. The scholarship supports the dedicated students who proudly represent Zippy at campus and community events, bringing energy and Zip pride wherever they go. Established in honor of longtime Zips supporters James R. Berry ’39 and Phyllis C. (Rowland ’39) Berry, this endowed scholarship helps ease the financial burden for students who demonstrate leadership, commitment, and exceptional school spirit. Your gift ensures future Zippy ambassadors can continue inspiring the Akron community while pursuing their education.

Media contact: media@uakron.edu