University News

Col. Rock III (Rocky) Turns Two

February 21, 2012

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MACOMB, IL – He's a charmer who never fails to elicit smiles -- or a chorus of "aww's" -- whenever he enters a room. Quick to pose for a photo or give a high five, Col. Rock III (aka Rocky) is a beloved member of the Western Illinois University community and is the symbol for Western's trademarked "Leathernecks" nickname.

This University's four-legged friend will mark his second birthday March 3. Col. Rock III (and his owner) will be in the University Union Concourse from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 29 giving out cupcakes to celebrate his special day with his WIU friends.

From the moment he joined the WIU family in May 2010 as a 10-week-old pup, Rocky has been the center of attention. WIU alumnus Joe Roselieb, director of residential facilities at Western, and Carisa Swanson, a kindergarten teacher in Astoria (IL), are Rocky's "people," providing him with a loving home, teaching him tricks, making sure he's healthy and chauffeuring him to numerous WIU and community events each year.

"He is an incredible dog, and he is just so smart," Roselieb said. "While he is still very much a puppy and can be mischievous, he behaves well in public and he really loves to be around people. There's nowhere we can't take him that he isn't the center of attention. He's definitely an asset to Western, and he truly is a great companion. I am so appreciative that Carisa and I were chosen to be his caretakers and trainers."

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 has established the Col. Rock III Fund, which will help 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's exploits on Facebook type Colonel Rock in the search bar or go to his page at facebook.com/Col.RockIII. Col. Rock's photo shoots over the past two years, taken by his personal shutterbugs (WIU's Visual Production Center photographers), can be found at http://photos.wiu.edu/lightbox/. Click on Athletics, Miscellaneous and "Colonel Rock III," "Rocky and Family in studio and outside," "Rocky and house in studio," "Colonel Rock in Studio 10-11" and "Rocky and house in studio Feb. 2012."

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