Something’s moving at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC).
EICC introduced its new districtwide mascot identity today: the EICC River Otters. Revealed on the final day of Community College Month, the River Otters give students across Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges one name to rally around, and a visible symbol of pride, momentum, and community.
Eddy, EICC’s River Otter mascot, brings that identity to life.
Curious, adaptable, social, and always ready for what’s next, Eddy reflects the best of EICC students: their determination, energy, and willingness to keep moving, even when the path changes.
The river otter was selected through a community-driven process that included surveys and feedback from students, faculty, and staff across the district. The animal quickly stood out for its connection to the region, ties to the river, and the qualities it represents: intelligence, resilience, playfulness, and a strong sense of community.
“From the beginning, this process was about our community,” said EICC’s Chief Communications
Officer and mascot committee chair, Erin Snyder. “We wanted a mascot students could
see themselves in and feel proud to wear. Eddy gives us that.”
Otters dive into new environments, learn as they go, and stay closely connected to
their group. Those traits helped shape Eddy’s personality and made the choice a strong
fit for EICC.
Eddy also reflects the lives of EICC students. Some start college while still in high
school. Some return after time away. Some balance classes with work, family, and goals
outside the classroom. Some change direction. All are building momentum.
His name carries meaning, too.
A river eddy is a place where the current shifts direction, often circling behind a rock, bend, or obstacle. It is still part of the river, but it moves differently. In the same way, EICC is a place where students can pause, reset, gather momentum, and find their next direction without losing progress.
To celebrate Eddy’s arrival, EICC has partnered with Niabi Zoo to sponsor its Asian small-clawed otter exhibit. The college will support new exhibit signage and enrichment activities for the zoo’s resident otters, Tina and Louise. Enrichment encourages natural behaviors such as problem-solving, exploration, movement, and play.
“Our mission is to change lives and strengthen communities through education, and this partnership is a natural fit,” said EICC’s Associate Director for Marketing and Communications, Johnna Kerres.
“By supporting enrichment for Tina and Louise, we’re helping create an engaging environment where they can learn, play, and thrive. Eddy may be a river otter, but we’re proud to help shine a light on otters right here in our Quad Cities community,” she added.
Niabi Zoo Director Lee Jackson said the partnership will benefit both the animals and zoo visitors.
“Partnerships like this make a meaningful difference for both our animals and our guests,” Jackson said. “Support from EICC helps us provide enriching experiences for Tina and Louise while also creating new opportunities for visitors to learn about these fascinating animals and the importance of conservation.”
The reveal campaign, “Something’s Moving at EICC,” built excitement across campuses and digital platforms before the official announcement on April 30.
Eddy will begin appearing at campus events, classrooms, labs, social media, and moments that celebrate student success.
For more information about EICC and Eddy, visit eicc.edu/RiverOtters
To learn more about Niabi Zoo, visit niabizoo.com