“You brought energy, comfort, and a sense of home to so many Bulldogs. Retirement looks good on you, legend," the school wrote on Instagram
Credit: Drake University (2)
NEED TO KNOW
- Griff II, Drake University’s beloved English bulldog mascot, attended the university’s graduation in a cap and gown to mark his retirement from his school duties
- The canine served as a prominent community figure since 2020 and promoted literacy in over 70 classrooms
- Griff III, described as outgoing and enthusiastic, will succeed Griff II and continue the live mascot tradition at Drake
Drake University's live mascot, Griff II, has graduated from his duties!
The university announced on Instagram on Sunday, May 24, that Griff II, who has been the university's live mascot since July 1, 2020, took part in the school's graduation ceremony to mark his retirement from mascot-dom.
While the English bulldog didn't earn a degree like the human graduates, he did share a similarity with them in that he used the ceremony to mark the end of a chapter at the university.
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The school's Live Mascot Program has become a "vital bridge" connecting the university to the greater Des Moines, Iowa, area.
"Griff II's tenure was defined by an era of warmth and companionship, providing a constant source of support and joy for students, faculty, staff, and fans alike," the school stated in a press release. "His impact reached far beyond campus as he leveraged his role as a certified therapy dog to champion extensive charitable efforts."
Credit: Drake University
During his time as a live mascot, he became a "prominent figure" for the Des Moines community, and even earned the title of "Des Moines' hometown dog."
Griff II also launched his own "Halloween Story Time" and visited more than 70 elementary classrooms in the Des Moines Public School district to promote literacy to young readers, according to Drake University's website.
In the social media video Drake University shared of Griff II's retirement, the canine dons a blue graduation gown as Erin Bell, director of the Live Mascot Program, places a matching blue graduation cap on his head, and Drake University President Marty Martin moves the tassel over to the other side to signify him "graduating" from the school.
Credit: Drake University
Additional photos of the moment shared on Instagram show Griff II posing with the school's dean and walking across the graduation stage with his tongue sticking out.
"There are many things that make Drake University one of a kind—tradition, community, and a mascot who showed up with heart every single time," the university wrote on Instagram. "Griff II, thank you for representing Drake with pride through the biggest moments and the quiet ones in between."
"You brought energy, comfort, and a sense of home to so many Bulldogs. Retirement looks good on you, legend. Griff III has big shoes to fill, but we know he'll be amazing," the caption added.
On the university's website, the school noted that the English bulldog is currently "enjoying his time in retirement, where his days of appearances and selfies have been replaced by naps on the couch."
Credit: Drake University
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Griff III, who was born on February 22, 2025, in Wisconsin, was chosen to succeed Griff II in his duties on May 8, 2026. He is described as a "young, outgoing, silly, and smart English bulldog who radiates happiness and enthusiasm."
"Griff III is ready to fill the big pawprints left behind by Griff II and looks forward to carrying on the legacy of the live mascot program," the university said.
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