Following the announcement of Griff II’s retirement, Drake University’s beloved live mascot, faculty and students welcomed Griff III to campus on Friday, Dec. 5.

The 9-month-old puppy made his debut in Fisher-Stelter Hall in the Johansen Student Center. Although the event was set to start at 3 p.m., a crowd gathered prior to the beginning of the event and remained past the one-hour time slot. The line to meet the new star wrapped around towards the exit of the building.

Erin Bell, the director of the Drake live mascot program, said that she knew there was a strong possibility for the dog to become Griff III when she met him.

“He had a very happy-go-lucky disposition which reminded me a lot of Griff II when he was little, and so I had a very good feeling he might be the one,” Bell said.

This sentiment of Griff III’s spirit seemed to be shared among those who met him for the first time. Sophomore Savannah Switzer said that she is excited for a new era at Drake, one including a third generation of the namesake mascot. 

“He is very cute, very full of life, just very joyful and happy,” Switzer said. 

First-year Erin Koller said this is a unique experience for her class.

“We’re both learning and starting at the same time. He’s a freshman too,” Koller said.

According to Bell, this event is not only important for the Drake community but also for the ongoing development of the puppy’s role as a new representative of the University. 

She plans to continue having Griff III shadow the experienced Griff II until his retirement in May 2026, and bring him to events so the community will continue to meet its newest member.