Sept. 4, 2016
#Truman30
Truman turns 30
Truman the Tiger, named after 33rd U.S. president and Missouri native Harry S Truman, has been Mizzou’s sideline-sauntering mascot for three decades. MU’s student-portrayed tiger mascots date back to the 1940s, but none had a specific identity. The Truman that fans know and love made his first appearance at the Sept. 13, 1986, Missouri-Utah State football game after a campus “Name the Tiger” contest.
Truman's party weekend
Students can celebrate with Truman 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, in the MU Student Center. We'll have a nachos bar, cupcakes and Tiger Stripe ice cream. We'll play games and win Truman-theme prizes. And we expect a lot of hugs.
All Tigers are invited to a special birthday celebration during the first home football game of the season when the Tigers take on Eastern Michigan at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10.
Follow the weekend’s festivities in social media: #Truman30.
A more mature Tiger
The big 3-0 is a major milestone for any Tiger. As he prepares for the big day and the fall semester, Truman is doing some serious adulting. He’s embracing a healthy lifestyle. He’s setting career goals. And, of course, he’s taking on a little party planning. (Spoiler: lots of black and gold balloons.) Here’s a peek at a typical day on campus as Truman gets ready for a new year »
Truman gear and philanthropy
Truman gets fitted for a suit at Truman's Closet. Photo by Rob Hill.
The MU Licensing and Trademarks office and the Mizzou Store are donating a portion of the profits made on Truman merchandise to Tiger Pantry, which provides food assistance for those in need within the Mizzou community. Look for items marked with Truman’s special 30th birthday merchandise hangtag. Start shopping!
Alumni mascots
Debbie Snellen, BS Ed ’79, MA ’80, and Steve Wendling, BS Ag ’78, posed with their Big Tiger and Lil Tiger garb in front of the Hearnes Center. Photo courtesy of the Savitar.
The Mizzou Alumni Association is hosting a reunion for all those former mascots who have worn “the suit," both as Truman and as the pre-1986 Tiger mascot. Join the party!
Also be sure to enter the Mizzou Alumni Association’s Memories of Truman photo contest.
The truth about Truman
Behind the scenes with Truman.
Go inside the black-and-gold fur to discover what it’s like to be Mizzou’s mascot.