The Tiger Athletic Foundation threw a birthday bash for Mike V,the University’s mascot, on Friday.
Though students, alumni and faculty showed up in the concoursearea of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for the celebration, theguest of honor was nowhere to be seen.
“Mike is close by in his home,” said AllisonBruchhaus, a mass communication senior and president of the TAFcollegiate club. “We have to remember: we’re on histurf now.”
Bruchhaus said this was the second annual birthday celebrationfor Make V, who turned 15 on Oct. 18.
Students were invited to the PMAC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. toenjoy free pasta, chicken, garlic bread and drinks.
Bruchhaus said the party helped raise money for Mike’s newhabitat.
All refreshments were complementary, but students were asked todonate money and received a T-shirt for their donation.
Bruchhaus said the event was meant to be more of a celebrationthan a fund-raiser.
In addition to a free meal, students were invited to eat anenormous chocolate-and-vanilla sheet-cake, donated by WinnDixie.
The cake was decorated with purple and gold icing andMike’s picture appeared above the words, “HappyBirthday, Mike the Tiger.”
Despite a plethora of empty seats, University Athletic DirectorSkip Bertman said he was pleased with the turnout.
“I’m glad to see people here to support Mike,”Bertman said.
Danny Rockwell, a mass communication senior, played guitar andserenaded the guests as they ate, singing songs by everyone fromJames Taylor to Jack Johnson to Better than Ezra.
Mike V came to the University in 1990.