WE EXPECT TO hear Bloomsburg University referred to as “the Huskies” when we are sitting in the stands at Redman Stadium overlooking the newly christened Danny Hale Field. Some may be surprised, however, to hear about the Husky — specifically Unleash Your Inner Husky — in connection with academics and co-curricular activities.
Archivist Robert Dunkelberger tells us professor and animal trainer George Keller introduced the husky as Bloomsburg’s mascot in 1933, and the first Roongo was a full-blooded North Greenland husky whose name was a combination of the school colors, maroon and gold. Students, including Phil Peterson ’91, who you will meet in a story on page 14, have portrayed the Husky since Homecoming 1979.
Our current Roongo, portrayed most recently by Mike Hall ’11M (see page 9), is easily one of the most popular incarnations. Often described as “cute,” he has more than 1,200 Facebook “friends,” but his appeal extends beyond his appearance and athletic symbolism. Bloomsburg students identify with the Husky because he embodies the qualities they and generations before them have demonstrated as motivated scholars who get involved, lead, and give back to the campus and the community.
Unleash Your Inner Husky represents Bloomsburg University’s commitment to creating a supportive learning environment that meets students’ individual academic needs.
It means students may define their interests and professional goals through coursework and co-curricular and extracurricular activities. And it signifies the culture, knowledge, tools and guidance Bloomsburg University provides so students may immerse themselves in a particular field. Unleash Your Inner Husky stands for students who follow their passions in the classroom, the laboratory, the local community and beyond with excellent, experienced and dedicated faculty as their guides and collaborators. It aptly describes what is often called the Bloomsburg University Experience.
A photo feature on page 2 of this issue of Bloomsburg: The University Magazine offers one example of what it means to Unleash Your Inner Husky. For alumna Eileen Albertson Chapman and today’s students, Unleash Your Inner Husky is a celebration of educational opportunities limited only by a student’s desire, ability and imagination.
DAVID L. SOLTZ
President, Bloomsburg University
