The University of Redlands' beloved bulldog is more than just a mascot—it’s the living embodiment of the strength, loyalty, and tenacity that drive our success. Since 1918, we've been privileged to call several of these noble animals our official (and sometimes unofficial) canine ambassadors, representing Redlands pride to the rest of the world.
Somewhat unexpectedly, however, the bulldogs name began not with a dog, but with a football game. In 1917, after Redlands embarrassed a rival school to the tune of 20-0, the opposing coach was quoted as saying, “The U of R football team might well be called the bulldogs of the conference for the fight they put into the game.”
The nickname caught on and another enduring Redlands tradition was born.
George: 2022–Present
George, the eighth Bulldog mascot for the University of Redlands, has arrived! A handsome pup with chocolate fur, a spotty ear, and bright blue eyes, George is showing that he's a Bulldog with real swagger.
Still settling in at home with his handlers Joe Modica and Candice Stewart, George will spend the next several weeks assimilating into his new community and training for his Mascot role. Follow George on social media (@urmascot) for updates, announcements, and future scheduled appearances.
His name honors our University's fifth president, George Henry Armacost, who spent 25 years in leadership at Redlands from 1945-70. During his tenure, the University experienced incredible growth in the student body and infrastructure. Key programs including Study Abroad, Salzburg Semester, and the Johnston College were launched under his leadership. George and his wife, Verda, remained active in the Bulldog community after his retirement.
Adelaide: 2018–2022
Adelaide Victoria of Redlands, most commonly referred to as "Addie," is our first female mascot in the history of the University and its seventh live mascot. She was named for the founding first lady of the University and wife to the first President, Jasper Newton Field.
Addie held multiple successful animal adoption events, exceeded hundreds of community service hours, earned honors as a scholar-athlete, and scored high marks in philosophy, community relations, leadership, and education. She graduated with her Class of 2022 and had the title of mascot emerita conferred upon her.
Addie will continue to live with her handler, Mary Littlejohn '03, '12, Assistant Director of Alumni and Community Relations.
Thurber: 2009–2017
Thurber (2009–2017) was known as a very active and friendly mascot. He attended sporting events when possible and was known to give "high fives."
Thurber was a favorite subject of University photographers and seemed to enjoy the considerable attention he received from the campus community. Thurber's handler was Professor Beth Doolittle.
When not occupied with his mascot duties, Thurber would typically be found in "Thurber Hall" in his kennel with niece, Opal, at the Willis Center.
Duke: 2003–2010
Duke was the University's fourth official mascot and was named for President Victor LeRoy Duke.
He was a somewhat less spirited mascot and often sat on the foot of his owner, math instructor Professor Elizabeth Doolittle.
Duke had a cameo in "Och Tamale, the Musical" and enjoyed a ride on the University's Centennial Rose Parade float. Duke was mascot from 2003 to 2010.
Newton: 1998–2003
Newton was the University's third official mascot. Nancy Barnes, executive assistant to the president, was quoted in The Sun newspaper on Feb. 6, 2001: "He loves to be the center of attention. He is the quintessential mascot." Newton was mascot from 1998 to 2003.
Jasper: 1991-1998
In 1991, a dog with the title Jasper Deacon of Pedley-known as Jasper-became the University's second official mascot. Jasper enjoyed a distinguished and highly visible image at sporting events and around campus. Jasper was mascot from 1991 to 1998.
As a prank, Jasper was once stolen from his campus home a day before his first birthday anniversary in February of 1992. He was discovered unharmed in a dormitory room mere hours before he was scheduled to appear at a basketball game.
Deacon: 1946–1948
The first official mascot was Deacon. He was a gift from the Pacific Coast Bulldog Club and was presented to President George Armacost on Feb. 1, 1946 at a basketball pep rally.
His sire was Apollo, the mascot of the Los Angeles Bulldogs, a football team that played from 1936 to 1947.
He first lived with President Armacost before moving to his home on campus. He represented the University at the Pineapple Bowl on New Year's Day 1948.
General Haig: 1918
An American Bulldog named General Haig became the first live mascot in 1918, shortly after the University acquired the "Bulldogs" as their official nickname. He only served for 1 year and we did not have another live mascot until 1946 when an English Bulldog named Deacon became our second mascot.
Unofficial Mascots
Several dogs served as unofficial canine representatives of the University.
In the 1928 edition of "La Letra", there are two photos of a puppy named Muggs who may have served as the unofficial mascot after General Haig. Blitz served unofficially as mascot between 1964 and 1965. Winston Churchill represented the University from 1972 to 1976. A stocky dog named Woody represented the University from 1989 to 1990.
