Passing the Collar

Introducing Victor E. Bulldog IV

By Caroline Nolan (’18)

Photos by Cary Edmondson (’03)

After nearly eight years as Fresno State’s live mascot, Victor E. Bulldog III passed his collar to his successor, Victor E. Bulldog IV, during a ceremony at the Fresno State baseball game on April 16 at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.

Prior to the first pitch of Fresno State’s 5-4 win over rival San Diego State, Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval took the ceremonial collar from Victor E. Bulldog III and placed it around Victor E. Bulldog IV’s neck, representing the official passing of duties.

“This event ushers in the next chapter for the Fresno State live mascot program,” Jiménez-Sandoval says. “Victor E. uplifts the university in a way no human ambassador ever could.”

The red leather collar, custom-designed by Orloff Jewelers, displays each previous mascot’s name and years of service engraved in brass and includes the iconic Green V and four-paw Bulldog logo.

“When [Fresno State] asked us if we would create the ceremonial collar, there was an immediate ‘yes’ to this honor. The live mascot program embodies the rich traditions of Fresno State and the Central Valley,” says James Orloff, who attended the passing of the collar. “Getting to design something that will represent a legacy and the future of the program is truly humbling.”

The purchase of both Victor E. Bulldog III and Victor E. Bulldog IV was made possible by donors Kathy and Robert Huebert, who were also present at the ceremony, and the late John H. Horstmann.

“Victor E. Bulldog III is in good health, but, for this role, retiring at 8 years old is the right age,” says Jacqui Glasener, the executive director of the Fresno State Alumni Association and caretaker of the live mascots. “Victor E. III has served Fresno State so admirably all these years, and we want him to go out on top. Retirement will mean no more official business for Victor E. III, but he will still come to campus from time to time.”

In his retirement, Victor E. Bulldog III will continue to live with Glasener and her sons, Declan and Aidan, both Fresno State students. His care will continue to be funded by the Live Mascot Program.

The program is solely funded by donations from fans and friends of Fresno State.