How the Crow Came to Nest at HSE University

The history of HSE University’s popular crow mascot dates all the way back to 1996. At the time, work was underway to create the newly opened university’s corporate brochure, and the artist Anna Arenshtein was invited to develop its unusual and memorable design. Her drawings of funny birds in glasses and graduation caps were the jumping-off point for the future mascot.

Later, a picture appeared in the office of HSE University’s longstanding Academic Supervisor Evgeny Yasin. It depicted a round table with a cracked egg in the centre, surrounded by the university’s founders in the form of wise birds waiting to see what would hatch. Legend has it that it was Yasin who said that the mysterious bird was a crow. In his words, the crow is a wise and mischievous bird. ‘It is well-mannered, lives in flocks, helps its brethren, and is very intelligent. And it is shamelessly naughty, which reminds us humans how to behave ourselves in society,’ he noted.

Over the years, the crow has become a steadfast symbol of HSE University. In 2019, a decorative weathervane depicting the crow was unveiled outside the university’s Myasnitskaya building. The idea received support from Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, and the opening ceremony was attended by Evgeny Yasin, Yaroslav Kuzminov (then-rector and current academic supervisor of HSE University), other members of the university and city administrations, and HSE students, faculty, and staff.

This wise bird has become an integral part of HSE University. It reflects the uniqueness and creative approach of the university, and symbolises the opportunities and potential of fledgling students who can grow and uncover their talents in the uncharted world of knowledge.

There are lots of different versions of the university’s avian mascot. You can take a short survey here (in Russian) to see them all.

September 29, 2023