USU Libraries Launches Oral History Project to Preserve Memories of Iconic Bull Mascot GUS

LOGAN — Utah State University Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives is actively seeking stories, photographs, documents and memorabilia related to GUS and GUS II, the university’s beloved mascots from the 1970s and 1980s.

GUS, whose name is an acronym for Go Utah State, became a symbol of Aggie pride in the mid-1970s after the USU Athletic Council approved the bull as the official mascot in 1974. A 9-month-old bull was purchased and named GUS by student vote in 1976. Known for his appearances at football games and parades and his spirited antics, GUS embodied the university’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.

By 1980, managing a live bull became challenging, and USU transitioned to a costumed student mascot, GUS II, which eventually evolved into today’s beloved Big Blue.

The University Archives is inviting alumni and community members to share their memories through oral histories and contribute materials that help tell the complete story of this unique chapter in Utah State University history.

How to Contribute

Individuals interested in participating in the oral history project or donating GUS-related materials should contact University Archivist Kelly Rovegno at kelly.rovegno@usu.edu.

Special Collections & Archives welcomes:

• Personal stories and memories.
• Documents.
• Photographs.
• Memorabilia related to GUS and GUS II.

The collection effort aims to preserve an important piece of Utah State University’s heritage for future generations of Aggies.