University News

Col. Rock IV 2020 Calendar on Sale at University Bookstore

December 9, 2019

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – Look no further than the Western Illinois University Bookstore for the most "terruffic" stocking stuffer. Check out the 2020 Western Illinois University Col. Rock IV (aka Ray) calendar.

The 2020 calendar, designed by University Relations Graphic Designer Shanee Sullivan, features photos -- taken by WIU Visual Production Center photographers and by Rocky's "people" Joe and Ketra Roselieb -- of Western's much-loved mascot Ray, along with a few photos of retired mascot Rocky, along with important WIU dates, such as Founders' Day, Homecoming and Purple & Gold Day.

The calendar is on sale now at the University Bookstore for $5.50 and is also available for purchase online at http://bit.ly/RayCalendar20. A portion of the proceeds from calendar sales go toward the Col. Rock Fund, established by the WIU Foundation in February 2012, which helps provide financial support for the live mascot program.

A signing event with Ray will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 in the Bookstore.

The now-10-month-old Col. Rock IV -- aka Ray, after WIU's legendary longtime coach and athletic director Ray "Rock" Hanson -- arrived in Macomb in mid-June. Rocky, who will be 9 in March 2020, officially retired in Summer 2018. He joined the WIU family in May 2010 as a 10-week-old puppy. Joe, a WIU alumnus and director of residential and auxiliary facilities at Western, along with Ketra, a WIU alumna and director of auxiliary finances/contracts, are Ray's and Rocky's caretakers, trainers and chauffeurs.

The AKC-certified English bulldogs were 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 the mascot's needs are well taken care of.

To follow Ray's and Rocky's adventures on Facebook, facebook.com/Col.RockMascot.

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