On May 9, 2000 it was announced at Elon University that the Phoenix would be the school's new mascot, replacing the long-time Fightin' Christians mascot. According to an article in the Spring 2000 issue of the , "Elon President Leo M. Lambert called The Phoenix the 'perfect choice' because of the connection of the college's triumphant recovery from the 1923 fire that destroyed the campus main building, including classrooms, records, the library and chapel." During the weekly event, College Coffee, the launch of The Phoenix took place outside the Koury Athletic Center and featured a large egg in a next that eventually broke open and a 14-foot banner rose in a cloud of smoke. The banner included the image of The Phoenix, unveiling the new athletic mascot to a crowd of students, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees. During 1998-1999, Alan White (former Director of Athletics) co-chaired the fifteen member Athletic Identity Task Force that helped select the new athletic mascot for Elon. Over 125 names were suggested by alumni, Elon employees, and other members of the community and The Phoenix was chosen, after receiving high marks from focus group testing and surveys that involved students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees. Also from the article in the Spring 2000 issue, "The Phoenix is a rare creature with remarkable connections to Elon and its 111-year history. The Phoenix's plumage matches the school's maroon and gold colors. As described by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, once every 500 years, when it feels its death approaching the Phoenix builds a nest in an oak tree. (Elon is Hebrew for oak). After being consumed by its own flames, the Phoenix rises again to fly to the temple of the sun. The bird is a symbol of immortality, light, knowledge and everlasting vigor. Ancient philosophers described the sacred bird as a leader and an emblem of hope, providing connections to the promise of higher education."