Spotlight on Beauregard V
Navarro College is all about tradition. One tradition lives on at NC today in the form of a 50 pound, 9 month old bulldog named Beauregard V. "Beau" and his Bodyguards, a group of 16 students who are responsible for Beau's care, attend NC athletic events and other college functions. Phil Sims, Director of Student Activities, suggested the purchase of a live mascot at an administrative retreat in early August 2006.
Beauregard V, the current mascot, was purchased by the college from McAfee's Bulldogs in Weatherford, Texas during the Fall 2006 semester. Beauregard, formally known as "Willy," lived with Deanna Crisco, along with his brothers and sisters before he became part of the Navarro College family. A full-blood English Bulldog, "Beau" now lives with Sims' family in Corsicana, and goes to work each day in the SGA office.
Whether attending an athletic event, a Meet Your Advisor event, Alumni Luncheon or visiting campus offices, Beau makes friends every where he goes. His gentle, friendly nature charms people of all ages. Children and adults love to give him a pat on the head and have a picture taken with him. Resident students, who have left family pets at home, enjoy having Beau around.
Some offices have been known to keep Bulldog bottled water and Milkbones handy in case Beau gets hungry or thirsty while touring campus.
According to_ Dreams and Visions The History of Navarro College_ by Dr. Tommy Stringer, the bulldog was selected as mascot during the 1946-47 school year by an informal vote of first year students and faculty gathered by the Administration Building at NC's first location. Jimmy Morris, a Corsicana attorney and first year NC student, suggested the bulldog because of "the admirable traits of strength and determination" shown by the breed. Dr. Stringer added, "…the fact that President Waller and Registrar Gooch (members of NC's first administration) had both been associated with the Dawson school system whose mascot was the bulldog may have influenced the decision somewhat."
A number of years after leaving NC, Jimmy Morris, the first year student who suggested the bulldog as a worthy mascot, gave Navarro College its first live mascot, Beauregard III, "…a fifty pound bulldog of championship stock." The first Beau took up residence in the football players' dormitory and attended all football games until his death in 1961. A granite marker marks Beau's final resting place. Mr. And Mrs. Jay Brown donated the second mascot. The third was purchased with money raised by the Student Senate and Circle K. In 1968, Bob Corley donated the fourth live mascot.
Next time you're on the Navarro College, Corsicana campus keep an eye out for this beautiful creature walking around. Don't be afraid to stop and say hi, pet his soft, powder-white coat or snap a quick picture. Come be a part of historic Navarro College where it's "your choice, our privilege," and create your own favorite memories with Beauregard V.