Mascot Appearance Request

Request an Appearance by Bo the Bulldog

Bring some Dawg-powered excitement to your next event!

Bo the Bulldog loves spending time with his Gardner-Webb family and friends, both on campus and throughout the community. From University celebrations and athletic events to community gatherings, nonprofit events, corporate events and private celebrations, Bo would welcome the opportunity to be part of your event.

Because this dawg has a busy schedule and needs plenty of time to rest and recharge, Bo can’t be everywhere all the time. Before submitting a request, please review the appearance guidelines, availability considerations and applicable fees below.

A member of the Gardner-Webb Marketing team will follow up within five business days of receiving your request.

  1. Requests must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. The further in advance a request is made, the more likely Bo will be available.
  2. Incomplete requests cannot be approved.
  3. All requests are subject to approval by Gardner-Webb University, which reserves the right to decline an appearance request.
  4. Most appearances will be limited to one hour or less for Bo’s wellbeing and due to his schedule.
  5. Bo cannot appear at outdoor events during inclement weather, including extreme heat. You will be notified as soon as possible if weather conditions require an appearance to be canceled.
  6. Gardner-Webb University reserves the right to cancel an appearance due to illness, personal emergency, scheduling conflicts or other unforeseen circumstances.

Bo is most likely to participate in events and activities that support Gardner-Webb University’s mission and strengthen connections with the University and surrounding community. Priority may be given to:

  • High-profile University events, including prospective student events, campaign events and alumni/donor events
  • Events requested by the Gardner-Webb University president
  • Gardner-Webb athletic events, including home football and basketball games
  • University spirit events, including pep rallies and Homecoming
  • Events requested by official Bo the Bulldog sponsors
  • Special requests from members of the Gardner-Webb community
  • Community events and opportunities that positively represent Gardner-Webb University

Other on-campus and off-campus requests are welcomed and will be evaluated individually based on availability, location and the nature of the event.

  • Dawg of Distinction: Bo participates in a ceremony or special moment, such as a ribbon-cutting, agreement signing or on-stage appearance.

  • Bo Time: Give your guests a chance to take photos, give Bo a high five and show their Bulldog spirit.

  • Event Mingle: Bo wags and wanders through your event, interacting and taking photos with guests.

  • Classroom Visit: Bo visits a classroom to support and surprise his students.

  • Social Support: Extend the fun to @TheGWUBulldog social media channels during Bo’s appearance.

There is no appearance fee for most on-campus requests from University departments/offices and registered student organizations.

Off-campus, community, corporate and private appearance requests may be subject to appearance and travel fees. Pricing varies based on the type of event, location, length of appearance and other event needs.

Pricing*

Private events include weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This pricing is effective 03/01/2025

*Tip optional

Type of Event Rate (1 mascot/hour)*
Private/Corporate $300/hr
University Department/Office $0/hr*
Unless offsite request is made: Per mile fee would apply
GWU-registered Student Organization $0/hr*
Unless offsite request is made: Per mile fee would apply
Non-profit $100/hr
Faculty and staff/students $50+/hr and up
Pricing varies based on distance, length and type of event
Other Have an event that doesn’t fit the above descriptions? Contact us for more information and to discuss pricing.
*Travel fees will apply to all off-campus appearances. As of 2025 that is $0.50/mile round trip.
If an appearance is a significant distance from Boiling Springs and late at night, a hotel room may need to be provided for the mascot team member. If applied to your event, you will be informed of this in an email from our program representative. 

Social Media Support Add-on:
Support on @TheGWUBulldog social media channels of his time at the event.
Cost: $50 in addition to the appearance fee attributed to any of the above appearance types.

Appearance Request Form

Ready to invite Bo?

Submit the appearance request form with details about your event. Completion of the form does not guarantee an appearance. Availability and applicable fees will be confirmed by a member of the Gardner-Webb team.