Mascot Toro the Trailblazer celebrated his 15th birthday at the Idea Store on TR Campus Aug. 18. The event kicked off with a free hot dog and hamburger bar followed by party games and TCC shirt and blanket giveaways.
Students lined up to take their pictures with the blue birthday bull himself. They also ate birthday cake and presented him with a handmade birthday card signed by all in attendance. Toro said it felt great to be the mascot.
“I just appreciate all the students and the faculty that show me love every year,” he said.
According to student activities coordinator Carly Johnston, the purpose of the event was to build TCC pride by celebrating Toro. Toro the Trailblazer was chosen by thousands of students, staff and members of the community and introduced by former Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley in 2011. He travels to all campuses and appears at school and community events like Trick or Treat Down Main Street.
Some TR students said they were excited to meet Toro for the first time as they had only seen him from a distance.
“This is my first time really up close,” said TR student Gianna Walker. “Hopefully, he’s not bigger than I think.”
The TR student activities team also encouraged students to meet and talk with one another during this Welcome Week event.
“What we’re doing is we’re fostering connection,” Johnston said. “And connection at every level, whether it’s a social connection, like I met a new person today and now I have a new friend, whether it’s a professional connection, if I’m building my network and I know who can help me in my next steps towards my career.”
Multiple students worked together to create designs for Toro’s birthday costume and complete the birthday bash checklist.
“It’s nice to see so many students out here meeting and just being joyful,” TR student James Wilson said.
For many, attending Toro’s birthday bash meant inclusion in a welcoming social setting. Students engaged in conversations, games and comradery rather than scrolling on their cell phones in solitude.
“I like how many people showed up. It shows, like a good community. I think that shows, like, people still talk,” said TR student Joclyn Morgan.
