Reveille VIII assumed her duties as the official mascot of Texas A&M University in August 2008, just before the Fall semester, following the retirement of her predecessor at the conclusion of the Spring semester. She was introduced formally at the August 31, 2008 season-opening football game at Kyle Field.
A May 1, 2008 memo released by Dr. Dean L. Bresciani revealed some of the features of the new dog. It would be a mature female, meaning she would be at least 1½ years old. The special committee assigned to look for Reveille VIII looked for a mascot that would be medium to large size, healthy, have an upbeat personality, be at ease around crowds and like people, be able to be calm around loud noises, and be positively motivated as well as not highly reactive. Perhaps most importantly, to prevent the behavioral problems seen in Reveille VII, “professional training protocols and oversight be established, implemented and periodically evaluated, a transition period to help Reveille successfully acclimate to and carry out her role as the mascot of Texas A&M University.”(Official Texas A&M Memo)
On Monday, August 11, 2008, Texas A&M University announced the selection of Reveille VIII. She is a two-year-old female Rough Collie, formerly named Kelly. She was donated by the Rough Collie breeders Julie Hinrichsen and Russell Dyke, owners of Juell Collies in Topeka, Kansas. In compensation for the new mascot, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets donated $5000 in private donations to the Collie Club of America and the former owners donated $1000.
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Famous quotes containing the word viii:
“For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast
crowned him with glory and honor.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands;”
—Bible: Hebrew Psalm VIII (l. VIII, 5–6)