Tyler Junior College mascot Harry the Hawk has a new fan.
“I found Harry on Facebook and thought he was super cool!” said Ramsey McWilliams, 21, of Little Rock, Arkansas.
So, she tracked down Harry’s mailing address and sent him a letter.
“You’re an awesome mascot!” she wrote. “Wish I could meet you someday! I’m collecting autographs from mascots all over the world. If you could send me yours, that would be great!”
McWilliams has been a mascot performer herself for more than 10 years. She currently works as at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Little Rock — plus she has her own personal character, Max the Mouse, who has appeared at local church events.
That appreciation eventually led her to correspond with fellow mascots everywhere.
Ramsey McWilliams has been a mascot performer herself for more than 10 years, working at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Little Rock. She also has her own personal character, Max the Mouse.
“I enjoy writing and sending letters to people to make their day,” McWilliams said. “And since I love both mascots and writing letters, I wanted to combine those two interests and write letters to them. My first-ever autograph was from Mike the Tiger at LSU.”
With the addition of Harry the Hawk’s autograph — which will be arriving in her mailbox soon — McWilliams said she has amassed more than 100 responses, some from as far away as Scotland and Australia.
TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia said, “We appreciate Ms. McWilliams for taking the time to write to our beloved Harry, and we are honored to have him join her impressive collection.”
About Harry the Hawk
Harry is new to the TJC family this year.
Ramsey McWilliams
Since its founding in 1926, TJC has been known for its unparalleled spirit and pride — founded in world-class academic programs, an active student life, and campus organizations that provide student engagement while also serving the surrounding communities.
As the institution approaches its centennial year, there are rich and powerful traditions that have withstood the test of time. Throughout its 96 years, TJC has proudly celebrated the Apache Spirit — Apaches, synonymous with “fierce warrior.”
Respected by Native Americans for its power, intuition, victory, healing, nobility, recollection, cleansing, visionary power and guardianship qualities, the hawk was often a spirit guide to the Apache tribe.
In the spirit of teaching and guiding students into their own futures, and while fostering principles of truth, honor and integrity, the hawk — specifically the Harris’s Hawk — was chosen by Apache Nation to be its spirit guide.
For more on Harry, or to request an appearance, visit tjc.edu/Harry.