Otto will be honored today as part National Orange Day and Philanthropy Week on campus.
He’s always there with a smile, a hug or a high five.
Otto the Orange has helped the University celebrate its most exciting events. Now, the University community is celebrating the lovable mascot on his 25th birthday.
Otto will be honored today as part National Orange Day (see a story here) and Philanthropy Week on campus. Well-wishers can stop by the Schine atrium between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a piece of cake. Celebrate further by giving Otto a shout-out on Twitter using #celebratesu.
Otto recently submitted answers to some questions from Syracuse University News, reflecting on his spirited work at the University.
Q: What’s the best part about being Syracuse University’s mascot?
Otto helps out at Syracuse Welcome.
A: Well, the best part is making so many friends! While I’ve been around here, I’ve met so many awesome students, faculty, staff, alumni, athletes, coaches, pets, mascots, plants and oranges and now I’ve got a great bunch of friends that go back 25 years. I’m so grateful every time they reach out and tag me in their posts, or give me a high five in the Dome, or invite me to their events. I love being a part of this amazing Orange Nation. I do my best to keep track of all my friends on my Facebook page and I love making new ones every single day!
Q: How do you like to get fans excited for a sports event in the Carrier Dome?
The Otto-Mobile makes a lap during a football game.
A: Hmm … Well, first I have to drink my orange juice … Don’t worry, it’s not weird at all. I need it to make sure I have TONS OF ENERGYYYYYYYY for the game! By being so energetic, fans want to be just as excited as I am. I go by the mantra of enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm. So I make sure I’m the happiest, craziest, zestiest and most spirited orange Syracuse could ever have!
Q: What do you do in your free time away from the excitement?
A: Well, every so often I have to swing on down to Florida to see my momma and poppa Orange (they need that tropical weather to stay fresh), but mostly I visit all my friends all over our Orange alumni network! I like to go to weddings, carnivals, school assemblies and special events all around campus, Syracuse and sometimes across the country! I keep a very busy schedule and have events EVERY day, averaging around 40 events a month all year round. If there’s someone out there who wants to make sure I add his or her event to my busy calendar, they should send me an email and I’ll try my best to be there.
Q: What have you learned in your 25 seasons with Syracuse University?
A: I’ve learned a great many things in my 25 years here:
