Comments on: Herm ready to ‘pass the torch’ of Royal Pride to next blue lion mascot

By: Les Helmuth

Les Helmuth — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 19:42:42 +0000

For the record, the initial “HRM” came to EMC in 1980 or 1981. I was the Director of Alumni Relations at the time, initiated a contest among students to create a cartoon character as a mascot, which evolved quickly into a make-shift costume. The original costume was a hand sewn outfit made by Gloria Lehman, a home economics teacher at Eastern Mennonite High School. I made the headgear out of fiberglass and covered it with the same fabric used by Mrs. Lehman. The headgear was intoxicating and I couldn’t find anyone to wear it, so I was the first “HRM” for the first few years. Pictures of this first rendition are available on request. After I left the alumni position, an official, professionally made costume was purchased and the rest is history, relatively unknown to me.

By: Seth Andreas

Seth Andreas — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 23:31:57 +0000

Jayne, I also think that would be a fun switch! It isn't official yet, but we will see where it goes! Maybe we will get there. Here it is: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11UNuDTetMRPWToPrfk--jhuDMc7ipazq/view?usp=sharing Seth

By: Seth Andreas

Seth Andreas — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 23:29:24 +0000

In reply to Chris Hoover Seidel. Hey Chris, I thought the same thing! I made a emu design for a fun, alternate mascot, and some students and I have been trying to get it out to people! We ordered stickers and hope to get t-shirts soon! I hope this link lets you take a look at it: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11UNuDTetMRPWToPrfk--jhuDMc7ipazq/view?usp=sharing Seth

By: Moderator

Moderator — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 15:45:07 +0000

In reply to Chris Hoover Seidel. The emu lives on! A group of students has adopted the emu and are promoting it. I'll ask one of them to hop in here and post some info on that movement.

By: Moderator

Moderator — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 15:43:25 +0000

In reply to Jayne. Hi Jayne, The Emu lives on! I'll ask student Seth Andreas to pop into this article and give you an update.

By: Rhoda E. Nolt

Rhoda E. Nolt — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:18:22 +0000

Watching Herm was so much fun when I came to campus. We will miss you, Herm

By: Jayne

Jayne — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 13:17:08 +0000

I agree with Chris. What about making a switch up and going with Phunky Emu? https://www.facebook.com/phunky.emu

By: Janet Stutzman

Janet Stutzman — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 20:07:29 +0000

I congratulate Herm on his retirement. He has served us well! A bit nostalgic, as director of alumni relations, I remember retiring the old one and purchasing Herm in ’98 on behalf of our alumni club, the Loyal Royals. There was some discussion that he was not fierce looking enuf but budget for blue lions was limited!

By: Chris Hoover Seidel

Chris Hoover Seidel — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 23:06:57 +0000

Why wouldn’t EMU take the opportunity to consider an emu mascot?

By: David King

David King — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 21:21:31 +0000

Thanks for this announcement. I’m especially looking forward to watching Herm over the next few months as he heads into retirement. I just wanted to add a few interesting tidbits of info to this for interested readers.

EMU’s search for a new blue lion mascot came in part because of an offer from an anonymous donor earlier this year to contribute towards a new costume. Our current Herm costume is quite elderly and despite routine cleaning, was showing signs of wear — and of course, years of love for Herm. We were so appreciative of this generous opportunity to think about updating our mascot, and Herm was also excited at the prospect of retiring with appropriate acclaim for his many years of service to EMU.

Our April 8 LovEMU Day is an opportunity to show your love for Herm and for EMU, and to help us continue to attract excellent student-athletes to carry on our Royal pride.

–Dave King, EMU director of athletics