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For many students, it is hard to imagine an ATU campus without Jerry the Bulldog. Our slobbery, furry campus ambassador has become a symbol of ATU since Jerry I took office in 2013. Eleven years and two Jerrys later, Jerry III is coming up on his first birthday, and he’s walking in his predecessors’ paw-printed path at his own beat.
“He’s a star and he knows it,” said Heather Strasner, spirit assistant for Jerry the Bulldog.
“He knows he was born for this, and he knows he has a role. And no matter how tired he seems, how long of a day he’s seen, as soon as someone new walks in, he knows that his job is to make them happy,” Heather Strasner said. Heather has worked this role since Jerry the Bulldog was first introduced in 2011. She and her husband, Sam Strasner, director of University Relations, take care of Jerry when he is not on duty. Sam and Heather Strasner agreed, highlighting the personalities of Jerry III’s predecessor.
“Spot on. I mean, the idea that Jerry I was kind of regal, you know. He would perform when he wanted to. But when he did, I mean, it was amazing. Jerry II, to this day, is just an extraordinary ball of energy. If he had just some better hips, he would have been great at his job, because he had the energy for the job,” Sam Strasner said.
“But Jerry III, I think he’s going to be something special just because of his personality and just how much he really does crave that attention from everybody that he encounters,” Sam Strasner said. Jerry III’s extroverted personality comes in handy when fulfilling his responsibilities as campus ambassador. He represents the spirit of ATU and provides a positive experience for students and prospective students to tie to the university.
“He is the living embodiment of the Fight On spirit of Arkansas Tech,” Sam Strasner said.
“I think he’s here to represent that resilience and that determination that allows so many of our Arkansas Tech students to pursue and achieve their goals,” he said.
“Second to that, he’s just kind of a friendly, welcoming figure for incoming students, current students, alumni, anyone that has an affection for Arkansas Tech, and when they go up and they pet Jerry or they hug Jerry, he’s kind of the outlet that receives all of that affection for Arkansas Tech, and he’s very glad to be that outlet,” Sam Strasner said.
SGA Vice President Elli White, also pointed out how Jerry III was made for his job as campus ambassador.
“Jerry is so special in that he was born for this role. I’ve never met a dog more suited for the job. When he barrels into a room, you see everyone’s faces light up, and that is so important. It’s good for the student body’s morale, as silly as it seems,” said White, a junior from Malvern.
SGA has played an important role in the legacy of Jerry, restoring the tradition in 2013 with a unanimous vote. Its support continues this Friday as it hosts a celebration for Jerry III’s first birthday.
“Expect cookies, drinks and a good time,” White said.
To celebrate the extroverted pup’s birthday with him, stop by the Hull Student Union on Friday, Feb. 23 from noon-1 p.m.
