Originally "Zippers," athletic director Kenneth "Red" Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to the "Zips" in 1950. Twenty-five years earlier a campus-wide contest had been conducted to choose a nickname for the University's athletic teams. Suggestions submitted by students, faculty and alumni included Golden Blue Devils, Tip Toppers, Rubbernecks, Hillbillies, Kangaroos and Cheveliers. The winner, freshman Margaret Hamlin, received a prize of $10 for "Zippers" -- a $6 pair of rubber overshoes and a brand name of the B. F. Goodrich Company.
"Zippy" the kangaroo was officially declared The University of Akron's mascot on May 1, 1953. Chairman of a committee to suggest a mascot, Zips All-American diver Bob Savoy recommended the kangaroo and it was approved by the student council.
At first much resentment and apathy surrounded the decision, which was made without the benefit of a campus-wide vote. Defenders of the kangaroo countered with, "It is an animal that is fast, agile and powerful with undying determination -- all of the necessary qualities of an athlete."
Pete Demming appeared as the first "Zippy" kangaroo at the inaugural Acme-Zip football game in 1954. Now fully accepted and an integral part of UA's athletics program, "Zippy" is revered by alumni and loved by children.