Gumby invades WU

By Alison Angel
angela@thejohnsonian.com

Gumby is DSU’s new mascot and he is here to promote events. The identity of the student who plays Gumby will remain unknown. Photo by Alison Angel • angela@thejohnsonian.comIf you’ve been to a recent campus event, you’ve probably seen him: boxy head and green arms flailing wildly to the beat of the music.

DSU has welcomed a new player to their events- Gumby.

The lovable claymation figure from the 1955 “Gumby Adventures” has come to Winthrop’s campus to help promote on-campus events, and he’s doing so in style.

Mike Rapay, assistant campus programs director, helped bring Gumby to Winthrop.  He said Gumby is here to help stir up some publicity and get students to events.

“He is simply a visually striking character that can be seen around campus telling everybody about upcoming DSU events and helping everybody have a good time,” Rapay said.  “Who knows who else will come visit Winthrop in the years to come?”

The identity of Gumby is, and will remain, unknown to students.  Rapay said he has had a positive impact by being at events, but the anonymity of who’s in the suit is here to stay.

“That will ruin half of the surprise if I tell you that.  There is, however, a rigorous training schedule to become a true Gumby,” Rapay said.  “Everybody loves him!  Gumby has been adding a ton of flair at all of our events.”

Kelsey Lockliear, senior integrated marketing communication major and a member of the DSU programming board,  agreed with Rapay and said his identity is top secret.

“The identity of Gumby is definitely a secret; only people on DSU know who’s in the suit,” Lockliear said.

Gumby’s official purpose on campus is to help pass out flyers and publicize campus events to the Winthrop community.
 
Lockliear said students have really been embracing Gumby, and he’s even become a hit on Facebook.

“He’s a hit at events for sure and just walking around campus,” she said.  “People love taking pictures with him and meeting him.  His Facebook page is blowing up too; he has a lot of friends.”

Boyd Jones, campus programs director, agrees that Gumby has become a hit on campus in addition to inform students about events.

“Gumby is a loveable character and only wants Winthrop to be an even better place,” Jones said.  “DSU Gumby has some moves on him.  He was dancing like a wild man at rock band Brenn, and folks enjoyed his antics.  I think he will add to the events and help folks have an even better time.”