University News

Mascot Memorial Plaza Project Unveiled

October 6, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- To celebrate Col. Rock, Western Illinois University's beloved mascot, the Mascot Memorial Plaza project has been established at WIU.

According to Joe Roselieb, director of residential facilities and Col. Rock III's caretaker, donations are now being accepted for the Mascot Memorial Plaza, which will feature a memorial wall commemorating WIU's past bulldog mascots, as well as a timeline of the live mascot program. The centerpiece of the plaza will be a Rocky statue to honor WIU's mascots, past and present. The anticipated completion date of the $50,000 project is Fall 2017. The location of the plaza is under discussion.

In September 1959, the first English Bulldog joined the Western Illinois University family to serve as the University's official mascot.

The current mascot, Col. Rock III, turned six in March 2016. He is still an active member of the WIU community, making appearances at several athletic and community events throughout the year. Roselieb, who not only cares for Col. Rock, but also is the person who thought up the memorial plaza idea as a way to honor the current and past Col. Rocks, as well as WIU's traditions and history.

"Being Col. Rock's handler, caretaker and trainer has been an enriching and truly wonderful experience," Roselieb said. "I wanted to create a lasting legacy for this incredible dog, and those who came before him and who will come after him. I also want to thank Jeremy Merritt of University Technology, Tim Hallinan of the WIU Foundation and Leann Meckler of University Housing and Dining Services for assisting with the web page, graphics and technology to get this project off the ground."

To donate to the Mascot Memorial Plaza, text COLROCK to the number 41444, or visit wiu.edu/mascotmemorial.

THE HISTORY OF COL. ROCK, WIU'S LIVE MASCOT:

Sept. 25, 1959: A two-month-old English Bulldog, purchased by the Student Government Association, arrived at WIU to serve as the first official Leathernecks mascot. The breed is the traditional mascot of the U.S. Marine Corps, with which Western shares its Leathernecks nickname. Dr. John Story and family served as the caretakers of the first pup.

Oct. 14, 1959: The Student Government Association Executive Council selected the name Col. Rock for the new mascot from more than 200 entries in a naming contest. WIU student Richard Stevenson submitted the winning name.

March 28, 1962: Col. Rock weighs in at 85 pounds. While the pooch lives with the Storeys, WIU students Steve White and Redman Lyons serve as Rock's handlers.

Oct. 31, 1964: The 90-pound Col. Rock takes part in his fifth WIU Homecoming. Steve Schada and Don Runge of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity serve as Rock's handlers.

February 1966: Col. Rock passes away.

November 1966: Capt. Dale A. Luster (a recruiter from the Marine Corps League of Chicago) was instrumental in assisting the Corps' purchase of Colonel Rock II, a.k.a. "Rocky."
Nov. 15, 1967: Rocky (Col. Rock II) enrolls in obedience school at Double-J Training Kennels in Galesburg.

Sept. 25, 1973: The six-year-old Bulldog retires due to respiratory problems.

May 15, 2010: 10-week-old Col. Rock III, joins the Western family. Joe Roselieb, director of residential facilities, serves as Rocky's handler and caretaker. Col. Rock III was donated to WIU by Richard and Beth Siess of Siess Ranch in Kansas, through the efforts of George Visoky.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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