Today@Sam Article

Beloved Mascot Ready To Retire After 60 Years

April 1, 2019
SHSU Media Contact: Hannah Haney

Sammy the Bearkat, Sam Houston State University’s beloved mascot, has announced his retirement.

At the end of this academic year and after 60 years of faithful service, Sammy has elected to end his career in which he transcended the mascot position and was one of the university’s most treasured personalities.

Going forward, SHSU officials are calling upon the entire community to vote for its new mascot. 

“There are always going to be Bearkat fans, but I think right now there is a desire and buzz for something new,” Marketing and Communications Public Information Officer Stephanie Knific said in a statement.

According to Knific, two new mascots have been proposed because of their longstanding campus history and significant impact to SHSU ecosystems.

Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to choose between Margie the Chicken or Sir Peabody the Squirrel, as the future fresh face of our historic university.

Margie the Chicken is a mascot concept inspired by Chico and Sweetie, the original chickens on campus, featured in the 2017 Priority One book, “The Story of the Sam Houston Chickens.”

Sir Peabody the Squirrel was also developed from SHSU’s rich history. His hometown roots and endearing nature make him a solid candidate. In a recent press conference, the potential mascot showed off his new collegiate look – including a bushy tail, walking cane and tiny monocle.

Voting will take place April 1-30. 

Click here to cast your vote now and become a part of this historic moment in SHSU history.

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