The story behind Dr Hoo

The birth of an idea

In 2018, Sandra Herkle, head of the D-INFK Communications and Marketing Group, had the idea of adding a touch of emotion to the department's giveaways, which are used during school visits and outreach activities. She launched a small design competition and the cute owl was soon the winner.

Owl stickers take off

From now on, the owl graced giveaways and appeared on beverage bottles, bags and mugs. And the owl stickers for laptops and mobile phones quickly became popular with staff and students alike. This success motivated the Communication and Marketing Group to produce special editions, such as a hologram version and an exclusive gold edition for Masters graduates.

By 2023, the owl hype had spread to temporary tattoos distributed at public events, appealing to children, teenagers and adults alike. Despite its growing popularity, the owl still lacked a name.

A plush debut

On 24 May 2023, the mascot reached new heights at the D-INFK Staff Party & OAT Housewarming Event at the Andreasturm in Oerlikon. Julia Bogdan, then president of the D-INFK student organisation VIS, presented a 'live' version of the mascot – a stuffed owl – alongside Festival Minister Florence (Flo) Kissling. This cute fluffy owl became the official mascot of the Department of Computer Science, much like Björn the polar bear represents VIS.

It was high time to give our mascot a name.

The naming game

In October 2023, the D-INFK community was invited to suggest names. A naming committee made up of faculty, administrators and students shortlisted five names. After a close competition between "SoPhi" and "Dr Hoo", the latter emerged as the winner. Moritz Stocker, then a doctoral student in Prof. Dennis Komm's group, was honoured as the namer. The announcement was made in the December issue of READ.ME, the department's monthly newsletter.

Thus, what began as a simple marketing initiative became a beloved mascot embraced by the D-INFK community.

Special thanks

Special thanks to VIS for presenting this fluffy friend and to Moritz Stocker for suggesting the winning name! Dr Hoo is traditionally handed over by the outgoing head of the department to his successor.