Fans and alums of Drake University in Des Moines, you have your next Griff.
Drake University announced the successor of its live English bulldog, Griff II, on Thursday, Dec. 4, with the reveal of Griff III, a nine-month-old puppy.
Griff III is a “smart, eager-to-please young pup who radiates happiness and enthusiasm,” according to Drake’s news release.
“The moment Griff II and I met him in person, we knew he was an incredibly special guy,” said Erin Bell, Drake’s live mascot program director. “We monitored his progress and development over a period of months, and it became very apparent that he possesses all the necessary qualities to be Griff III. He’s curious, gentle, brave and a very funny guy.”
Griff has been a staple at Drake events since the university launched its live mascot program in 2015, including the Drake Relays and other sporting events, as well as university initiatives. Griff often dons a cap and gown to congratulate Drake graduates as they receive their diplomas every spring and winter.
Griff III is currently receiving “paws-on” training on the intricacies of the role until Griff II’s official retirement in May 2026.
How to meet Drake’s Griff III
The university plans an official reveal and meet-and-greet for Griff III on Friday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 4 p.m., at Fisher-Stelter Hall in the Johansen Student Center on Drake’s campus. The event is open to Drake students and faculty.
A live “interview” with Griff III will take place at half court during the first half of the Drake men’s basketball game Friday night against the University of Alabama at Birmingham at 6:30 p.m. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a free Griff III poster, according to the news release.
Drake is currently 6-3 on the season after a 108-57 win over Western Illinois on Dec. 2. After an up-and-down start to the season, the Bulldogs will see if they can make that three wins in a row when they face UAB on Friday.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet Griff III, a bulldog puppy and the next Drake University mascot
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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