Sebastian was created in August 1957 by Norman A. Whitten, Director of the Student Union at UM, and was used as a homecoming competition entry.

The next year, student John Stormont performed at Miami Hurricanes football games dressed up in a homemade ibis costume.

[4] The ibis was originally named "Icky", but was later renamed after San Sebastian Hall, where John Stormont was a resident.

During the first national championship season for the Miami Hurricanes football team, the Ibis was portrayed by Bill Mooney, a senior at the university from Orangeburg, New York.

This second generation Ibis costume was designed and made by UM alumnus and former Disney artist Randy Jacky (RJ) Ogren.