Stay updated with breaking news from Colonel Rock. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Happy birthday, Colonel Rock IV! Let’s paw-ty! Western Illinois University mascot Colonel Rock IV, aka “Ray,” will turn five Tuesday, Feb. 14. To celebrate the special day, a birthday party for Col. Rock IV will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the University Union Concourse. Participants can grab a quick photo with the birthday boy, enjoy cupcakes, grab a few freebies and sign Col. Rock IV’s official birthday card.
Western Illinois University Housing and Dining Services will sponsor a hot dog eating contest, and a "Pitch the Paw" contest during halftime of the WIU women’s basketball game at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, and the men’s basketball game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
To commemorate the legacy of the late Col. Rock III (Rocky), who resurrected Western Illinois University's live mascot program when he joined the Leatherneck family on May 18, 2010 as a 16-week-old puppy, Rocky's face is now on an officially licensed and limited edition bobblehead, produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. Col. Rock IV's (Ray) bobblehead was unveiled on Jan. 7, 2022.
Western Illinois University is now officially part of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.
It's a grand day for Col. Rock IV (aka Ray) as his sweet face now graces an officially licensed and limited edition bobblehead, produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and today's unveiling happens to be on National Bobblehead Day.