St. John's - Redmen, Red Storm, Johnnies & Thunderbird

Prior to the 1994–1995 school year, the university's nickname was the St. John's Redmen, which referenced the red uniforms worn by its teams in competition. The name was interpreted as a Native American reference in the 1960s, and the university did have a mascot (adorned in Native American dress), which eventually led to the team's name change to the Red Storm. 

The change happened at a time when there was mounting pressure on colleges and universities to adopt names more sensitive to Native American culture.

The Redmen name still remains popular among fans, however, as does "Johnnies". 

In spring 2009, St. John's allowed its students to vote on what the new official Red Storm mascot would be. At a soccer game in fall 2009, members of the Athletics Department announced that a Thunderbird had received the majority of votes and would become the new mascot. After a vote, the new mascot was named Johnny Thunderbird. He can be seen at many of the school's athletic events, cheering on the Red Storm.

On September 18, 2009 the new mascot, which was voted on by students, was revealed; Johnny Thunderbird.