JAMES MADISON AND CINCINNATI MASCOTS ARE BOTH SIGEPS

Two SigEp chapters can claim that one of their brothers serves as the face of the university—even if their real faces are hidden behind furry costumes.

Michael Bradford, Cincinnati ’15, and Alex Smyth, James Madison ’13 dress as school mascots, the Bearcat and the Duke Dog, respectively.

“It’s great,” Smyth said about the experience. “I love the freedom. I can do whatever I want and go anywhere. It’s all up to my own creativity.”

Bradford says the best part is simply, “How much everyone loves the Bearcat. They all respond to you, and it’s cool to feel that pride. I love this university.”

Bradford was selected to the post after a rigorous audition when 20 students tried out for three spots. The audition included an interview, as well as pantomiming sessions both in costume and plain clothes. Bearcat tryouts were so crowded partially because the Bearcat is the reigning Capital One National Mascot of the Year, selected in the annual contest promoted throughout college football season. That makes the position quite an honor for Bradford, who represents his family’s third generation at Cincinnati, and second generation in the Ohio Theta chapter of SigEp. His dad is Jon Bradford, Cincinnati '81.

Meanwhile, Smyth is carrying on a legacy of his own, as the school’s second consecutive SigEp mascot. He was able to earn a position as the Duke Dog in part because SigEp Jordan Cole '10, who held the position last year graduated.

Both are using the role to their advantage, having fun with their SigEp brothers while they’re in costume, and trying to create publicity for their chapters. So don’t be surprised if the face of the university shows up at a SigEp recruitment event near you.

Does anyone in your chapter hold an interesting position on campus? Let us know here, and your chapter could be in the next issue of the Sound Bite.

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