OCC Owls

OCC Mascot: Talon the Owl

OCC’s mascot represents the strong sense of community between the students, employees and alumni of Oakland Community College. OCC Owls are wise and determined, never backing down from a challenge and always striving toward a goal. Our mascot unites us and helps us soar to new heights.

Talon the Owl is the embodiment of school spirit, student connections, academic and athletic achievement. Talon is always available to give a high five or encouragement, whether that’s for athletes playing a tough game or students studying for finals.

History of Talon

Talon the Owl Lands at OCC

OCC Graphic design student Hailey Martin will leave her mark on OCC. She illustrated and conceptualized OCC’s new mascot. Out of numerous design concepts, her graphic style and character proved to be the perfect fit to represent OCC’s next generation.

Read Hailey’s story and how she designed OCC’s new mascot.

OCC Mascot Timeline

1965: The OCC Raiders identity was launched shortly after the College opened. At that time, the Oakland Raiders were a professional football team that played in Oakland, California. The national football team created the now-familiar emblem of a pirate (or "Raider") wearing a football helmet. Because OCC carried the same “Oakland” name, the College selected a Raider/Pirate for its mascot.

2022: OCC launched an inclusive effort to create a new mascot to replace the “Raiders” and better represent who we are: our College values, our students, employees and community. The two-year process incorporated hundreds of student mascot suggestions, thousands of student and employee votes.

2024: On Valentine’s Day 2024, OCC unveiled our new mascot: Talon the Owl. Kicking off the Fall semester, Talon the Owl debuted live at OCC's Talon Tailgate, to roaring applause and cheers, while OCC’s athletes unveiled their new Owls uniforms.

Talon Interest Form

Show off your school pride and have fun by playing Talon for a day! OCC is looking for students interested in wearing the Talon costume for photo and video shoots, on and off-campus events, and more. Paid opportunities are available!

If you’re interested, fill out the form below to be added to our list and receive additional information. If accepted, you will be contacted when there is an opportunity that fits your schedule and location preferences.

The ideal Talon will meet the following criteria:

• The Talon costume is designed to fit individuals between 5'8" and 6"0 tall and around 180-200 pounds
• Individuals must be physically able to move around for extended periods of time and maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the performance
• Must be respectful of boundaries, college property, fellow students and employees, and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct
• Comfortable engaging with fans of all ages, maintaining a positive and outgoing attitude, and creatively adapting performances in real-time based on crowd reaction
• Prior mascot experience is a plus, but not required!

If you have any questions about this form or playing Talon, please contact studentengagement@oaklandcc.edu.