Tupper the Bulldog

Tupper the Bulldog
Tupper the bulldog is the Bryant University mascot. The mascot can be seen at Bryant University sporting events. The Bulldog mascot has been the staple of Bryant athletics since the 1994 season. In 2004, when the university changed its name from Bryant College to Bryant University, they underwent some logo redesigns and came across the current mascot. The new logos and mascot have been used since 2004.
Tupper the Bulldog can be seen at every Bryant Sporting event, and most other campus-wide events. He has been spotted at places such as orientations, pep-rallies, graduations, extracurricular activities for clubs, and intramurals. He has also been seen at many charitable events that the school hosts, such as the Relay for Life walks.
The name Tupper comes from Earl Tupper, the inventor of Tupperware, who in October 1967 donated his 220-acre Smithfield estate to Bryant, which was then located on the East Side of Providence (current site of the East campus of Brown University). Bryant broke ground on the new Smithfield campus in 1970 and relocated in 1971.
Ironclad Tupper I
Ironclad Tupper I (goes by Tupper), an English bulldog, was purchased in May 2010 by Bryant University President Ron Machtley and his wife, Kati, and was given to the University in celebration of the success of the Class of 2010 senior class gift campaign . The campaign exceeded its goals and set two senior class gift records, one for amount raised (more than $41,000 to establish the 2010 Legacy Endowed Scholarship) and the other for participation (55 percent).
The dog, known as Tupper, serves as Bryant University's mascot and attends a variety of Bryant events. He is the first live bulldog mascot Bryant has ever had, and received an honorary degree at 2010 commencement for "character and obedience."
"Kati and I have always hoped that Bryant University would have its own live bulldog mascot," said President Machtley, "so we purchased and donated to Bryant, in honor of the Class of 2010, a most lovable, tenacious scholar and wonderful mascot, Ironclad Tupper I. Although he's only been at Bryant for a short time, Ironclad Tupper I already has added his unique brand of character and inquisitive spirit to campus events."
Tupper was born Jan. 13, 2010, at Ironclad Kennels in Raynham, Mass. When off duty, he lives with one of two Bryant University employees who have volunteered to serve as Tupper's Guardian Caretakers and tutor him for his role as University mascot. Bryant University reimburses the guardians for the costs associated with raising the dog, including food and veterinary care. He also spends part of his time with Ron and Kati Machtley.
Tupper began mascot training at four months old and as of November 2010 is in training to become a companion animal assisted canine. After his first birthday he will complete his training and take his credentialing exam. Companion animal-assisted therapy, also known as pet assisted therapy/animal assisted therapy, is when a trained animal and handler visit people in need in order to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive and emotional goals. Tupper is currently attending classes with Community Canines for Companionship & Care for therapy team training, and he visits with people with developmental disabilities twice a month (Tupper’s contribution to community service).
When not greeting and receiving affection from Bryant students and staff, Tupper enjoys chasing sticks, watching tv, chewing on things he's not supposed to chew on, playing with other dogs and rolling around on the grass. He likes to have his paw and front legs gently massaged while you tell him about your day (he’s a very good listener).
Tupper is a special dog chosen for Bryant because of his personality and genuine love of being around people. He has an obvious desire to be the center of attention, and whenever he hears applause, he thinks it's for him.
Role at Bryant
Tupper attends every home football game at Bryant. He usually arrives 30 minutes early to mingle with the crowd and pose for pictures. He then joins President Ron Machtley and his wife Kati in the tent near the endzone, so he can be right there when the team takes the field. Football coach Marty Fine scratches Tupper behind the ears for luck at each game, and then Tupper and the Machtleys go to center field for the coin toss. Tupper remains with the team, lending support and strategy, until the game starts and he returns to the tent. Usually by the third quarter, Tupper is exhausted from all the excitement and needs to go home to bed.
Most Wednesdays Tupper likes to visit the Bryant campus. He walks around the campus greeting students and pays a visit to President and Kati Machtley, if they are available. Student organizations can request a visit from Tupper for events and functions, and if his schedule is clear, he tries to accommodate those requests. Tupper doesn't want to go where he's not wanted, and he doesn't want to become a distraction, so all visits must be approved and chaperoned. Tupper also frequently attends events for new and prospective students.
Tupper is a very social dog. He loves people, and he loves going to campus. "When he sees the campus coming into sight, he gets really excited." Claire, one of Tupper's Guardian Caretakers told Bryant News, "And it's a little hard to get him away from campus, cause when he's having a good time visiting with everyone, he doesn't want to go home."
For his first birthday, Tupper threw a party in the Rotunda of the Bryant Unistructure. There was cake for both dogs and people, prizes for students and merriment for all. Tupper received a sweater and frisbee from ROTC Patriot Batallion, a skateboard from President Ron Machtley and First Lady Kati and tons of affection from students and Bryant employees.

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