Fall River, MA – April 16, 2015 - Since Bristol Community College’s inaugural season as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association in 2008, they had been known as the “Bees,” a name that predated the launch of Athletics and, oddly enough, won a naming contest during their first season. After extensive work with College Communications, BCC has a new identity: welcome the Bayhawks!

When current athletic director, Derek Viveiros started his role at Bristol Community College he immediately noticed a lack of use and support of the “Bee.” “It became obvious early-on that the student-athletes, coaches, and many other members of the College community were not excited about being 'bees.' There were many requests to change the name.  The logo had not been used on uniforms or any other athletics apparel,” said Viveiros.

Patrick Stone, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications at the College, recognized the potential impact of Athletics on recruitment, retention, and student engagement…if only they had a brand people actually used. “Patrick, and the entire College Communications office, were instrumental in making this happen, from pitching the idea to Presidents cabinet, conducting focus groups, designing the logo, and especially, putting up with me,” says Viveiros.  

The entire project required approximately eighteen months of work: fourteen months of initial focus groups and four months of feedback once the names and logo’s had been narrowed down to a select few. Viveiros was excited that the student-athletes and coaching staff played a big role in the focus groups and in providing feedback on the new name logo. “These are the individuals that will be representing the College as a Bayhawk both on and off campus and it is important to me that they had hand in this change,” said Viveiros.

Joshua Nelson, who just completed his first season on the men’s basketball team is happy with the new identity.  “I really like the new look and I can’t wait to see the uniforms,” said Nelson.
Along with the new name and logo, BCC is also developing new College gear, jerseys, and a style guide for usage on campus. The Bayhawks will debut on the court and in the field during the Fall 2015 semester.

The name has had a positive reception by the College community and appears that it is here to stay.  Hopefully, with the new name and look, BCC Athletics will be soaring to new heights.