Live Mascot Tenure

Born in Minnesota on July 12, 2018, and named “George” in honor of Drake University’s first president, George Carpenter, Griff II was selected for his temperament, confidence, and affectionate nature, qualities essential to representing the University in busy, public settings.

As Drake’s second official live mascot, Griff II helped solidify the Live Mascot Program as a defining part of campus culture, building on the foundation set by Porterhouse and Griff I. Griff II had an insatiable appetite, adored people, could never get enough attention, and loved to take long naps—punctuated by moments of mischief. Throughout his time as live mascot, Griff II could be found at athletic events, campus celebrations, alumni gatherings, and community appearances; always eager to greet students, pose for photos, and accept a well‑earned behind‑the‑ears scratch. 

Griff II also played an important role in outreach and engagement efforts, helping strengthen Drake’s connection to the surrounding community as a certified therapy dog, often visiting students at local schools in Des Moines.

A defining initiative of Griff II's tenure as Drake's live mascot was his Halloween Story Time in partnership with local Des Moines elementary schools. These story times quickly became an annual highlight, with Griff II working alongside Des Moines Playhouse's Costume Shop Supervisor, Jessica Van Essen, to create a new costume inspired by the year's beloved children's book Griff II selects to read.

Griff II also became the subject of the children's book, Griff's Big Little Adventure to further promote literacy in early readers.