HAPPENINGS
Topper Secrets Under cover of darkness and a veil of secrecy, St. Edward’s University Magazine was granted special clearance to interview the two students who bring the university’s mascot, Topper, to life. Alas, we can’t reveal the names of the students behind Topper, but here’s a peek underneath the white fur. Q: What inspired you to step into the Topper suit? A: I have a passion for dancing and being silly and showing my love for St. Edward’s in interesting ways. It’s fun to get people excited about coming to the games and supporting our Hilltopper athletes. Q: Topper is the strong, silent type: How do you communicate with people? A: The Topper outfit swallows every move and makes everything look really small. You really have to exaggerate your emotions and expressions through big movements to convey what Topper is feeling at the moment. Q: What are the biggest challenges of being Topper? A: Until I got the hang of it, stairs were tough to navigate, and it’s tricky to be quick on your feet. I take a break every 30 minutes, which gives me a chance to take off the Topper head and unzip the suit. My clothes are soaked by the time I get out. It’s like being in a sauna.
Q: Does Topper do any tricks? A: People really like it when Topper turns his backside to the other team and shakes his tail at them. Topper is also known for pulling pranks and being goofy with the cheerleaders. Q: How full is Topper’s calendar? A: He is present for every home game for volleyball and basketball, as well as a few home soccer games. Q: You don’t get personal recognition like athletes do. What are the rewards of being an anonymous athletic figure? A: Even though you aren’t recognized, it’s so much fun to live as that character and be the face of the university. It’s rewarding to make the school spirit come alive. Q: Any embarrassing moments as Topper? A: One time I forgot how wide my arms stick out, and I knocked over a garbage can right in front of an 8-month-old baby. —Lisa Thiegs
The College Lists
Higher-education administrators love to debate the validity and usefulness of college-rankings lists. But we’ll admit it: We get a little bit giddy when others recognize the university’s greatness. Here are a few of the recent lists on which St. Edward’s appears. • Named No. 15 in the 2014 list of “Best Regional Universities in the Western Region” by U.S. News & World Report • Selected by peer universities as an up-andcoming school in the 2014 U.S. News & World Report rankings • Named one of America’s “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges this year by Washington Monthly magazine — no other private university in Texas ranked higher • Ranked first among 10 other HispanicServing Institutions for the best six-year graduation rate by The Chronicle of Higher Education in 2013 • Included in “2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region” list in The Princeton Review • Recognized in 2012 and 2013 as a top producer of Fulbright students by the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State’s international educational exchange program 3
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