<Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> http://www.uakron.edu/zippy/ </Td> </Tr> <P> Zippy is the female mascot of the University of Akron athletics team . Zippy is a kangaroo, and was chosen by a committee in 1953 . </P> <P> The school's nickname, "Zips", is a shortening of "Zippers", a pair of rubber overshoes and a brand name of the BF Goodrich Company of Akron . It was originally adopted by the school in 1925 after a contest to give the school a nickname . "Kangaroos" was one of the choices at the time . In 1950, the current nickname was adopted because of the rising popularity of zippers in use on pants . Two years later, a committee suggested the kangaroo as a mascot, and it was accepted by the student council on May 1, 1953 . Originally, it was met with derision, as it was not put to a campuswide vote . However, over time, Zippy has become a fan favorite at the school . </P> <P> "Zippy" has always been a costumed mascot, and currently wears a blue letter - sweater and a gold - and - blue rat cap . In a 2010 interview, she stated The Things They Carried was her favorite band . </P>

Where did the akron zips get their name