University News

Col. Rock III (Rocky) Seventh Birthday Celebration March 3

March 2, 2017

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MACOMB, IL -- It has been a great 49 years (seven years in dog age) for Col. Rock III, Western Illinois University's mascot. Rocky's fans are invited to stop by the University Union Concourse Friday, March 3 to wish Col. Rock III a very happy seventh (49th) birthday!

The popular pooch will be in the Union Concourse from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 3, with cupcakes and Rocky buttons (and posing for "snaps") to celebrate his special day. High fives will be provided upon command.

Rocky joined the WIU family in May 2010 as a 10-week-old pup. WIU alumnus Joe Roselieb, director of residential facilities at Western, is Rocky's caretaker (and chauffeur), and over the years, has overseen every aspect of Rocky's care, from providing him with a loving home to teaching the dog new tricks to making sure he's healthy to taking him to numerous WIU and community events each year.

"I am so fortunate to have been a part of Rocky's time as the WIU mascot," Roselieb said. "While he's nearing retirement age, he'll continue to be a part of my family and enjoy his senior years in great comfort and style. And he'll always remain a member of the Leatherneck family."

Col. Rock III will have a full birthday celebration March 3 as that evening, he is the featured celebrity at WIU Night at the Peoria Rivermen game at the Peoria Civic Center, and will have the honor of "throwing" out the game puck. For more information or to register for the WIU Alumni Association pre-game social, which includes game tickets, visit http://tinyurl.com/jd8gvww.

Rocky will also have a "pre-birthday" celebration at the Saturday, Feb. 25 men's and women's Leatherneck basketball games in Western Hall. Information about the games, including ticket information, is available at goleathernecks.com.

The English bulldog was donated to Western by Richard and Beth Siess of the Siess Ranch in Seneca, KS. Dr. Karen Blakeley of Macomb's All Pets Veterinary Clinic and the WIU School of Agriculture, along with other University and community organizations and individuals, make sure Col. Rock's care is tended to.

To help supplement funding for Rocky's care, the Western Illinois University Foundation established the Col. Rock III Fund, which helps meet travel-related, food, healthcare and "clothing" expenses. Donating is simple: text the word "Rocky" to 84700 to make a $10 contribution to the WIU Foundation. Donations, made payable to WIU Foundation, can also be sent to: WIU Foundation, 303 Sherman Hall, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390. Contributors who send in donations are asked to include a note that designates the gift for Rocky's Fund.

To follow Col. Rock on Facebook, key "Colonel Rock" in the search bar or go to his page at facebook.com/Col.RockIII. Recent Col. Rock photo shoots can be found at https://photocart.wiu.edu/index.php?category=19.
For more information on Rocky's Fund, contact the WIU Foundation Office at (309) 298-1861.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing