Charlotte businessman and philanthropist Irwin "Ike" Belk commissioned noted sculptor Jon Hair to design and create a symbolic mascot for Winthrop in 2005. Unveiled in October 2006, the 12-foot bronze eagle weighs 3,000 pounds and took 18 months to complete. The design was based on the university's athletics logo. It sits atop a 20-foot concrete and brick pedestal, also designed by Hair, that is located to the left of the university's main entrance at Eden Terrace and Oakland Avenue.