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Centennial Celebration Includes the Ubiquitous Black Squirrel; Design a Squirrel Statue to Enter Contest

Return to Issue of Aug. 31, 2009

The decorating contest deadline is approaching.

Kent State University’s official mascot may be Flash, the golden eagle, but an unofficial bushy-tailed mascot scurries up trees and scuttles across campus on a daily basis. Squirrels may be small, but their presence on campus is large. The stuffed animals in the bookstore and Black Squirrel Radio are reminders of the black squirrel’s prominence at Kent State.

The Kent State Centennial Celebration Committee is selling black squirrel statues to give faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members the chance to honor the furry creatures and celebrate the upcoming Centennial year.

The squirrels are available in two sizes: 8 inches and 30 inches. The 8-inch squirrels can be purchased for $40, and 30-inch squirrels cost $200.

Those interested in purchasing the squirrels have the option of competing in the Kent State Centennial Squirrel contest. The contest is open to all Kent State students, student organizations, staff, faculty, alumni, as well as community residents, merchants and organizations.

Contestants can paint, sculpt, transform, embellish, clothe, adorn and collage their squirrels in any fashion they please. The squirrel decorating contest will be held prior to the 2009 Homecoming game on Oct. 10. The voting will be by popular ballot, and winners will be announced during the game. Some of the contest prizes include a one-year parking permit donated by Parking Services, office chair from Kent Office Supply, gift certificates and athletic tickets.

Secure online ordering is available through the Web site, or an order form can be printed from the site. The Web site also has a list of locations in Kent where the squirrels are sold. Campus bookstores at East Liverpool, Salem, Stark and Tuscarawas also sell the squirrels.

Both sizes are currently in stock and available for immediate pick up. Don’t miss your chance to compete against other departments and colleges around the university. Listed below are a few that are already working on their entries:

• Career Services
• College of Business - Department of Marketing
• Enrollment Management and Student Involvement
• Intercollegiate Athletics
• Student Recreation and Wellness Center
• University Communications and Marketing
• WKSU – FM
• Kent Interhall Council
• Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority
• Stopher-Johnson Honors Residence Halls

The contest entry form deadline is Sept. 15, 2009. Contest details can be found at the Web site.

Return to Issue of Aug. 31, 2009