Chances are you’ve probably seen him around campus. He’s made appearances everywhere, from the Vandenberg cafeteria to the recreation center to WXOU studios. He is the bear who is melting everyone’s hearts and just might give the Grizz a run for his money.

His name is Woody and he is the mascot for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

“He is kind of like the spirit of this office,” D.J Bond, an admissions programming assistant, said. “He keeps us all motivated and happy,”

Woody came to Oakland University seven years ago when he was given as a gift from admissions office employee Ronda Ferguson to fellow employee Dawn Aubry.

A collector of stuffed bears and elephants, with more than 50 bears, Aubry received Woody as a birthday present decked out with balloons and OU attire.

“I think he really stole everyone’s hearts, so we started putting him out at different events,” Aubry said. “I decided not to take him home and just keep him here so everyone could enjoy him and I think everyone felt like he needed to be a part of our programming and they just started taking him places.”

Woody has been a part of the admissions office as their mascot for seven years now, but has recently been making more appearances including on the OU Facebook page, where photos showcase Woody and his adventures around OU with students.

Photos show Woody with students in Café O’Bears, bumpers game room, sitting in the Grizzlies racing car, working out in the recreation center and getting help at the writing center in Kresge Library.

“I would say the last post that was done after we took Woody to the mansion with us, some students just saw a few of those pictures and started sending them to their friends,” Aubry said. “Some people want to take Woody home with them.”

As the admissions mascot, Woody greets new and perspective students at different on and off-campus admissions and recruiting events.

Woody makes appearances at OU events like welcome receptions, Go For The Gold, Discover OU, transfer open houses, presidential scholar receptions and councilor connection events.

“I think he does a great job (as our mascot)” Aubry said. “I think Woody kind of reminds everyone to be a kid and to have fun and enjoy life. I think he’s helping folks remember that Oakland is fun place, a home away from home, and you can have fun here.”

Woody has also been to admissions and recruiting events in places such as Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Toledo and Canada.

“He’s kind of like a wanderer,” Jason Dunn, admissions programming assistant, said. “You’ll see him one day and he will there and the next day he’ll be gone.”

Woody is typically dressed in OU gear, with the occasional pair of sunglasses or even a sombrero on Cinco de Mayo.

“We are always dressing him up … he always has new shirts,” Alexis Hosey, acting communications coordinator for the office of undergraduate admissions, said. “It’s an honor to dress Woody. We take turns, but usually Ronda dresses him up.”

Woody is usually kept in the admissions programming office, located in North Foundation Hall, but makes appearances at admissions events on campus.

“I think he is going to want to stay with the office. I think the students have made it clear that they don’t want him to leave,” Aubry said.

Ferguson encourages students to meet Woody. That is, if they can find him.