The mascot of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta is the stormy petrel. How they chose the mascot is quoted from their website:

"Oglethorpe University's mascot is the Stormy Petrel, affectionately called "Petey" by our students. It is said that the stormy petrel is the inspiration for Oglethorpe's motto: Nescit Cedere, translated as "He does not know how to give up."

Why a Stormy Petrel?

A stormy petrel is a seabird, commonly found on the Eastern seaboard, and known for flying low to the ocean to look for food. Dr. Thornwell Jacobs, Oglethorpe University's president from 1915-1943, chose the Stormy Petrel as the school's mascot. According to legend, James Oglethorpe was inspired by the courage of the small, gutsy bird as it dove in and out of the crashing ocean waves as he crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1732."