Photo | @arkansastechjerry on Instagram
Jerry is currently eight years old and has been the official campus ambassador since 2013. This year marks the first time in recent history that he will depend upon private donations for his needs.
“SGA had previously paid for Jerry’s needs and expenses, and their agency account is no longer,” Heather Strasner, the spirit assistant to Jerry, said. Agency accounts are held by a university-related organization, and are used to receive, hold, and disburse funds.
Cuts like this have happened with all universities within the state, according to Strasner. “There is not a way to track spending with agency accounts, so auditors across the state made that change.”
These agency accounts differ greatly from foundation accounts, Strasner explains. The control that the account holder has over the account is much greater with a foundation account, which are primarily based upon pledged donors and private donations.
“The university has always funded his needs and [many have] not really thought about his foundation [account] a lot.” She hopes to bring more attention to the fact that he can receive private donations.
A $10 donation would feed Jerry for a week, while a $40 donation would cover his allergy medications for the week. As of writing this article, 18 people have already donated to the cause, and if the goal of 50 people is met, a private donor will give $2,500 to his foundation account.
Strasner hopes that Jerry Day, an upcoming Tech holiday, will bolster support for his donation drive. Jerry Day will be held on Oct. 21 at Hindsman Tower and students will get a free Jerry day shirt. On Oct. 23 at homecoming Tech will commemorate the anniversary of SGA’s unanimous vote to restore the tradition of Jerry the Bulldog at Tech and when he was installed as campus ambassador.
Jerry goes to all Tech sporting events, SAB events and travels to the Ozark campus to visit students.
To get more information on donating to Jerry’s cause, follow @arkansastechjerry on Instagram or Facebook
