National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum Unveils GW Mascot Bo Bobblehead

Special Edition, Representing Bo as a Puppy, Celebrates Anniversary of Bo Becoming the Live Mascot

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled the first officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead of Bo, Gardner-Webb University’s official live mascot, who began his service on Aug, 26, 2021. The bobblehead’s release celebrates the one-year anniversary of Bo becoming the mascot. The special edition bobblehead, representing Bo as a puppy, was produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

Sitting on a circular red and green base bearing his name on the front and Gardner-Webb on the back, the Bo bobblehead is in a sitting position and wearing a red collar with a tag that reads BO. The bobbleheads, which will be individually numbered to 2,022, are available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which just arrived and ship now, cost $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. They will also be available soon in the GWU Campus Shop.

Bo, who celebrated his first birthday on May 4 is an English Bulldog who came from a breeder in Garner, N.C. Since becoming the official mascot, Bo has represented Gardner-Webb on campus and in the community. He can be seen connecting with alumni and supporting the Runnin’ Bulldogs at home athletic and other community and outreach events.

“I suppose you know your mascot has truly made the big time when it shows up as a limited-edition bobblehead!” observed Gardner-Webb President William Downs. “We hope our fans and alumni act fast to secure their own keepsake celebrating our beloved Bo.”

The first recorded usage of the bulldog as a mascot for Gardner-Webb was in 1922. Throughout the years, the bulldog has been represented in numerous forms. Live bulldogs, costumed mascots and athletic branded logos have all been featured in some fashion for GWU.

Bo is the University’s seventh live mascot, dating back to Butch I, who served from 1944 to 1953. Butch II and Chins followed before there were no live mascots for over four decades. The live mascot program returned with Barney from 2010 to 2014 before he was replaced by Roebuck. “Bucky” was designated with Mascot Emeritus status.

“We’re excited to create this bobblehead of Bo, the busiest bulldog in North Carolina,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Gardner-Webb is in good paws with Bo representing the university and we think alumni, students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Gardner-Webb community will really enjoy this bobblehead.”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on Feb. 1, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as for organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit the HOF and Museum online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Gardner-Webb:

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.