Hall of Fame
Nellie the Dolphin, the beloved Jacksonville University mascot, former TV star and water-show performer who charmed generations of young and old alike while raising awareness of marine life, passed away in the spring of 2014. The oldest dolphin in human care at 61 years old and the oldest living college mascot in the country, she resided at Marineland Dolphin Adventure her entire life. Throughout her extraordinary lifetime, Nellie inspired thousands of visitors and generations of Jacksonville University athletes and students.  Nellie was proclaimed an honorary Jacksonville University Dolphin when she was adopted as the University’s mascot in 1970, the year Jacksonville University made its remarkable run to the NCAA Basketball Championship game. Nellie followed that with an honorary masters in marine science in 2008 for her many years in inspiring Jacksonville University marine science students to learn and grow in their profession. Most recently, Nellie received an honorary doctorate degree in health sciences and longevity during her 60th birthday celebration in 2013 at Marineland.
