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What is a Blue Devil?

The "Blue Devil" is often portrayed as a demon that is painted blue, has pointy ears, a long tail and carries a three-pronged pitch-fork. Pretty ironic for an institution that receives considerable monetary support from United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. 

Through research, it was discovered that the name "Blue Devils" has been identified in botany, military history, music and, of course, sports. Little is known about why Dillard University chose the Blue Devils as its mascot when it opened in 1935¹. However, evidence regarding the origin of the Dillard Blue Devils is provided in the naming of the school's annual yearbook, "Les Diables Bleu," which is the French translation for Blue Devil. The "Blue Devils" (Les Diables Bleus) were an elite mountain infantry of the French Army². According to historical accounts, Les Diables Bleus assisted the United States when they entered World War I by raising funds to support the war³. A Blue Devil is actually a soldier!!

The Dillard Blue Devils are at the forefront of positive change. Our soldiers are being trained to create more "avenues of opportunity," through continued excellence and heritage.  In 2009, Dillard Athletics adopted the French translation of "Blue," and all teams are now known as the "Bleu Devils."
 
1) Athletic Dept. Collection: http://books.dillard.edu/archives/finding%20aids/athletics.htm
2) Blue Devils: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Devils
3) The Story of the Blue Devil: www.goduke.com