The University of Miami’s famous mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, celebrated his 67th birthday on Thursday, Nov. 20th, at the Watsco Center during the men’s basketball game against the Elon Phoenix.
The ibis was selected as the unofficial mascot in 1926, when the school yearbook adopted the name “ibis”. The ibis was chosen as it is the last animal to take shelter before a hurricane, and the last to reappear after the storm, reflecting the grit of the Miami Hurricanes community.
Sebastian was created in 1957, by the former Director of the Student Union at Miami, Norman A. Whitten. The following year, for the first time, a student wore a homemade ibis costume and performed in it at a football game as part of the homecoming celebration.
On June 17, 2025, Sebastian was inducted to the Mascot Hall of Fame, joining Blitz the Seahawk, Fredbird, S.J. Sharkie, and TORO.
To celebrate Sebastian’s 67th birthday, a birthday party was thrown during the men’s basketball game vs. Elon. Sebastian was joined by many of his mascot friends including his fiancee, Gigi the Ibis, the UM Maniac, the Miami Heat’s Burnie, and the Miami Marlins’ mascots Billy and Miami, among others.
During a first-half stoppage, Sebastian and his mascot friends faced off in a heated match of musical chairs. In the midst of a timeout, Sebastian pulled the chair out from under Mia the Rooster for himself. Then, with three remaining – Sebastian, Burnie & Gigi – Burnie had claimed the last chair in the final round. But, Sebastian chased Burnie down the court, chair in hand, stole it, and gave it to Gigi so she could win the game. A truly romantic act for the soon to be husband and wife!
Later, in the second half, Sebastian was formally honored with a cake. The whole stadium sang happy birthday to Sebastian for his 67th along with the area team mascots. In the end, Sebastian got his birthday wish: a Miami Hurricanes win. Canes pulled out against Elon with a 99-72 win behind a signature Malik Reneau double-double. It was truly a heartwarming and entertaining night for the U, celebrating our very own, Sebastian.
