PHOTO | Tara Espinoza
Jerry Charles Young II was introduced Saturday, Sept. 10, before the first home football game. Jerry II will become the next campus ambassador at Tech starting Oct. 1.
Jerry II was born May 29, 2022, in Frankfort, Kan. He arrived in Russellville early in Aug. and has been serving under Jerry Charles Young I in preparation for his debut.
The legacy of Jerry the Bulldog started at Tech in the mid-1930s. He was owned by William O. Young. Jerry spent most of his time on campus at the armory with the National Guard Battery F. Students and guardsmen adopted Jerry as their own. In 1937, when Jerry passed, students were devastated. The Arka Tech headline wrote, “Campus Loses Mascot in Passing of Jerry.”
Jerry, I was adopted as campus ambassador in 2013. Dr. Robert A. Young Jr. of Russellville, the third generation of his family to hold a close association with Arkansas Tech, spoke at Jerry II’s induction.
“When the idea of restoring the tradition of Jerry the Bulldog at Arkansas Tech was presented to me a decade ago, it was my honor and privilege to give our family’s blessing,” said Young. “We love the Wonder Boys. We love the Golden Suns. The return of Jerry has enhanced our traditions and provided Arkansas Tech students, faculty, staff, alums and friends with a tangible outlet to express their affection for this university. Every time you pet Jerry or take a photo with Jerry, you demonstrate that Arkansas Tech is special to you and has meaning in your life.”
Jerry, I have been a massive part of Tech since 2013. He has cheered on the Wonder Boys and Golden Suns, attended events supporting various organizations, welcomed students and alumni, and so much more.
Jerry I and Jerry II have been residing with Sam and Heather Strasner, who said they are getting along great.
“Jerry II is learning lots from Jerry I and they quickly became very close,” said Heather Strasner. “It seems Jerry I has enjoyed having Jerry II around, although the puppy energy can be a lot, sometimes.”
“After hundreds of appearances and thousands of photos, Jerry is about to earn the spoils of retirement,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president. “He will step down as campus ambassador as of Saturday, Oct. 1, and live out his golden years on his favorite spot on the couch at home, no doubt napping and dreaming of the good times we all enjoyed together.”
“Jerry…thank you,” continued Bowen. “Thank you for loving us. Thank you for loving Arkansas Tech. It took a very good boy to bring back something that had been lost for so long. You are and will always be that very good boy. We will savor these final three weeks with you as our campus ambassador.”
At the home football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, there are plans of Jerry II being presented with his spiked collar, symbolic of becoming a campus ambassador. More details about the ceremony will be shared on Jerry’s social media.
