Milo Aukerman is the singer and namesake of the Descendents’ 1982 debut album Milo Goes to College.
Aukerman joined the California punk band as its vocalist and became associated with the cartoon portrait used on the cover of Milo Goes to College. The album’s title refers to his decision to leave the group temporarily to attend university. Its concise songs and melodic aggression helped establish a major strain of pop-punk and melodic hardcore.
Aukerman studied biochemistry and later earned a doctorate in biology. His scientific career is one reason the album title has remained especially memorable: it connects the band’s youthful punk identity with a real academic path.
The Descendents continued through changing lineups, with Aukerman returning for later recordings and tours. The cover character is often mistaken for a generic cartoon mascot, but it specifically represents Milo. The album itself was recorded in 1982 and released by New Alliance Records.