The Butler University mascot is named Butler Blue III, also known as Trip. Trip is an English Bulldog and has been the official mascot of the university since 2004. He is the third bulldog to hold the position and is commonly seen at athletic events and other campus activities. Trip is a beloved figure on campus and is known for his friendly and approachable demeanor. He can often be seen interacting with students, faculty, and staff, providing a sense of school spirit and pride. Many students enjoy taking pictures with Trip and sharing their experiences with him on social media.
“I think having a live mascot adds to that and encourages students to be excited and proud of their school and to be able to say that we have a live mascot, and that he happens to be really adorable,” Rohweder said.
A simple Did You Know tweet from the official Butler Blue IV Twitter page would go a great distance to educate its seven thousand followers and create more awareness about why Butler Blue does things the way they do. So, I m really proud of what we ve done and I think this Netflix series is just another feather in our cap and I hope just catapults us even further into this national landscape.
Many students enjoy taking pictures with Trip and sharing their experiences with him on social media. In addition to his role as a mascot, Trip also serves as a therapy dog. He visits students, particularly during high-stress periods like finals week, to provide comfort and support.
Butler Mascots Featured in Netflix Series
An episode of the upcoming second season of the Netflix original series “Dogs” will feature a couple of dogs very familiar to Hoosiers. The show will spotlight Butler University’s live mascot program as it transitioned from Butler Blue III to Butler Blue IV more than a year ago.
Michael Kaltenmark, director of external relations for Butler and former mascot handler, says the university’s participation in the show stemmed from a tweet by the show’s producer looking for stories.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Kaltenmark said the experience came at a pivotal point for the live mascot program.
“We were being followed with cameras at the time that we announced Blue III’s retirement and his last season and then during our search for Butler Blue IV and our debut of Blue IV and of course my transition from being mascot handler…so there was a lot going on during this, essentially, a basketball season when they followed us,” said Kaltenmark.
The cameras also followed Kaltenmark as he was receiving a kidney transplant during that time.
Kaltenmark says he hopes the show puts Butler on full display for a new audience.
“I hope that when they watch it, they feel really good not only our bulldogs, but about the people who make up Butler University and that by watching this, more people know about our university and if more people know about it, then maybe more people will apply and eventually become Butler Bulldogs one day,” he said.
Kaltenmark took over as mascot handler in 2004 with Butler Blue II. He says not many people outside of the Butler campus knew who Blue was and it wasn’t until the university’s back-to-back appearances in the Final Four that the Butler live mascot program gained national notoriety.
“What we strive for is when you think about live mascots, then you think about Butler Blue,” he said. “So, I’m really proud of what we’ve done and I think this Netflix series is just another feather in our cap and I hope just catapults us even further into this national landscape.”
Season 2 of “Dogs” premieres July 7 on Netflix. You can catch a glimpse of Butler Blue in the trailer for the show below:
Story Continues BelowKaltenmark says the experience came at a pivotal point for the live mascot program.
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For Kaltenmark, this transition period is a bittersweet time, but overall positive.
His calming presence is appreciated by many members of the university community. Trip's care and well-being are of utmost importance to Butler University. He has a dedicated handler who ensures that he receives the necessary exercise, grooming, and veterinary care. Trip is also trained to display certain behaviors and follow commands to guarantee the safety of those around him. The presence of Trip on campus serves as a symbol of the university's commitment to fostering a friendly and inclusive environment. He represents the spirit and values of Butler University and is an integral part of the community..
Reviews for "Behind the Bulldog: Trivia and Fun Facts about Butler University's Mascot"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Butler University mascot. It just didn't have a strong presence during the game, and I felt like it didn't engage the crowd at all. Its costume also looked cheap and poorly made. Overall, the mascot failed to bring any excitement or spirit to the game, and I left feeling underwhelmed.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I found the Butler University mascot to be annoying and distracting. It constantly tried to interact with the audience, but it came off as forced and unnecessary. The costume itself was bulky and cumbersome, making it difficult for the mascot to move around freely. It felt like a waste of resources and added no value to the overall game experience.
3. Michael - 1/5 stars - The Butler University mascot was just plain boring. It lacked creativity and uniqueness. It resembled any generic mascot without any distinguishable features or charm. The energy it brought to the game was flat, and I hardly noticed its presence throughout the event. I expected more from such a reputable university, but the mascot was a letdown.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - The Butler University mascot didn't leave a lasting impression on me. Its character design was uninspiring, and it seemed like a generic representation of a bulldog. The mascot's movements were stiff and robotic, making it difficult to connect with the audience. I wish there was more creativity and enthusiasm put into the mascot to truly reflect the spirit of the university.