Brian Lafferty has been selected as the Saint Joseph's University Hawk mascot for the 2014-15 season, becoming the 35th student to represent the University as its men's basketball mascot in the tradition which has spanned 57 years.

Lafferty, a rising senior at Saint Joseph's, served as the Hawk mascot for the women's basketball program in 2013-14 and previously worked as a team manager with SJU men's basketball. 

A criminal justice major and Dean's List student from Springfield, Pa., Lafferty has held numerous positions on campus, including vice president of the University Student Senate, resident assistant, and Coordinator of Freshmen Orientation. This past year he also served as an Appalachia Experience Site Leader.

One of the most renowned mascots in all of college athletics, which made its debut on January 4, 1956, The Hawk is a rarity among mascots because it travels to every game, home or away. The student who serves as the mascot has been the recipient of an endowed scholarship since 1992, and also performs the responsibilities of a team manager. Recognized by many publications over the years as the nation's top collegiate mascot, The Hawk is known for flapping its wings continuously during an entire game.

In 2013-14, the Hawk mascot was cited as "College Basketball's Best Tradition" by NCAA.com.