4600 Sunset Ave • Indianapolis, IN 46208 • (317) 940-8000

Backgrounder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Oct. 29, 2022 Jordan Lee-Caracci
Director of Public Relations
(123) 456-7890
jleecaracci@butler.edu

History of Butler Blue

The Live Mascot Program at Butler University began in 1919 when a fraternity mascot, a
bulldog named Shimmy, wandered into the Collegian office. Since 1919, there have now been
five live mascots representing the university: Shimmy, Butler Blue I, Butler Blue II, Butler Blue
III aka “Trip”, and the current 2022 reigning mascot, Butler Blue IV.

After the University Relations department convinced Butler officials to adopt an English bulldog
to represent the university in 2000, Butler Blue, the official Butler University mascot became
known nationwide.

Local English bulldog breeders, Frank and Jeane King made an agreement with Butler
University to donate a registered American Kennel Club English bulldog puppy which became
the university’s first official live mascot, Butler Blue I. Butler Blue I served as Butler
University’s mascot from the years 2000-2003. She was a white English bulldog that weighed in
at 45 pounds.

Butler Blue II was a male English bulldog donated to the university by Kong King Kennel. He
served as Butler’s official mascot from May 20, 2004 to May 20, 2013 before retiring. Weighing
in at 58 pounds, Butler Blue II was a fawn and white bulldog that earned the nickname of
“America’s Dog”

Butler Blue III aka “Trip” made his debut as Butler’s official live mascot on February 18, 2012
in front of a sold out basketball game in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Weighing in at 65 pounds, Trip was
a red brindle and white English bulldog who earned the title of, “The Beast of the BIG EAST.”
Trip retired at the age of eight, leaving Butler Blue IV as the reigning mascot of Butler
University.

The current mascot, Butler Blue IV is a social media star when it comes to publicity. Born on
October 30, 2019, Butler Blue IV has gained the popularity of students, faculty, and parents

More
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nationwide. Now on the Butler University website, you may request an appearance from the
bulldog, fill out a form for an autograph, follow any or all of his social media platforms, or buy
any of his merchandise from the Butler Bookstore.

With the NCAA men’s Basketball Tournament just around the corner, all eyes fall on the
university’s mascot, Butler Blue IV, to see if he can help bring home a national title and bring
Butler back to the top of the BIG EAST. Can Butler Blue IV follow in the footsteps of Butler’s
two preceding mascots and become a combination of “America’s Dog” and “The Beast of the
BIG EAST”?

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