University News

Col. Rock IV 2022 Calendar on Sale at University Bookstore

November 15, 2021

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MACOMB, IL – Looking for a te-ruff-ic stocking stuffer? Head over to the Western Illinois University Bookstore (in person or online!) and pick up the 2022 Western Illinois University Col. Rock IV (aka Ray) calendar.

The 2022 calendar, designed by University Relations Graphic Designer Justin Derry, 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, as well as a dedication to the late Col. Rock III III (Rocky), along with important WIU dates, such as Founders' Day, Homecoming and Purple & Gold Day.

A special "pawing" (signing) will be held at the University Bookstore with the cutest mascot around during the University Union Community Day event, from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18. The calendar is on sale now at the University Bookstore for $5.50 and is also available for purchase online at bit.ly/WIUColRockCalendar2022. 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.

The nearly three-year-old Col. Rock IV (Ray), named after WIU's legendary longtime coach and athletic director Ray "Rock" Hanson, arrived in Macomb in mid-June 2019. Joe, a WIU alumnus and executive director of auxiliary facilities and risk management at Western, along with Ketra, a WIU alumna and executive director of personnel and financial affairs, are Ray's caretakers, trainers and chauffeurs (with baby brother Aiden joining in as a new trainer in training).

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

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

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