Meet Herm!

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Herm, the EMU Royals’ mascot lion, was first spotted back in 1983 cheering on EMU athletics and helped the Loyal Royals in fundraising and other athletics efforts. Herm is a warm, fuzzy lion who embodies welcoming friendliness, a trait that many visitors and new students use to describe the EMU community. Learn about student-athletes at EMU.

The new incarnation of the EMU Royals mascot debuted in fall 2020 and is available to appear at any number of campus and off-campus events. Herm loves going out in public to be seen and people-watch and also enjoys getting a picture taken with EMU supporters. Appearance requests should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the desired appearance date. Please keep in mind that Herm may not be available during scheduled academic breaks, and will not be available during exam weeks.

Read more about the history of Herm.

Herm Request Policies
If your request for Herm to appear at your event is approved, you will need to provide the following:
- A parking space close to the event or transportation to/from the event
- A private place to dress and rest (Herm needs at least 15 minutes per hour to cool down and re-energize)
- A secure location for clothes and personal items
- Drinking water available at all times.
- A handler to be with Herm for the duration of the event. If you would like EMU to provide you a handler, we can do so for an additional fee.

Appearance Fees

EMU ID Holder	Costume only*	$20/hour - 2 hour min.
EMU ID Holder	EMU Athletics provides Herm	$30/hour - 2 hour min.
Non EMU Request	EMU Athletics provides Herm	$50/hour - 2 hour min.
EMU Students/Faculty Play/musical theater Class appearance Other academic related activities can be considered on a case by case basis	Costume Only	No Cost
EMU Students/Faculty Play/musical theater Class appearance Other academic related activities can be considered on a case by case basis	EMU Athletics provides Herm & handler	$20/hour - 2 hour min.
Handler for Herm	Provided by EMU Athletics	$20/hour - 2 hour min

Additional Policies and Payment Information
- If HERM is to travel outside the Harrisonburg Area (10 mile radius), it is $0.67 cents per mile.
- Signed application/contract prior to event (EMU will provide the name/contact information for Herm and handler if applicable prior to the event).
- Payment up front at least one week prior to the event.
- If paying with check, please make check payable to: EMU Athletics
Checks can be mailed to:
Justin McIlwee
1200 Park Road
Harrisonburg, Va. 22802
- If paying with a credit card, please call Justin McIlwee at 540-432-4441 or reach out to Justin to set up a time to stop by the office.
- 3% credit card fee in addition to the rates.
- If you cancel within 24 hours of the event, 50% of the rental cost will still be charged because we could not book another event.