A colorful glitter makeover for Herm, EMU’s mascot, supplied by winning artist Violet Horst, took first place in this week’s Homecoming coloring contest.
Approximately 50 entries were judged by Visual and Communication Arts professors Cyndi Gusler, Jerry Holsopple and Steven David Johnson.
Jennifer North Bauman, interim director of alumni and parent relations, was delighted with the turnout for the contest.
“Herm is usually wearing his coat of blue and white, but clearly he should be considering a trip to the store to pick out some other colors, or maybe he’s wearing them on the sly when we don’t see him, because these artists have given him many fresh new looks,” Bauman said.
Bauman said she planned to show all of the artwork to the new Herm when he appears for the Friday Opening Celebration. “I think he’ll be inspired and so pleased to see how our young fans have portrayed him.”
This is likely just the first year of what will become a popular tradition, she said. “Especially this year, when we could not host our Lil’ Royals on campus for fun during the Fall Festival, Saturday afternoon of Homecoming and Family Weekend, the art contest was a great way to connect with kids.”
The two designs for coloring were created by Rachel Holderman, media specialist in EMU Marketing and Communications, and are still available on the Homecoming website for downloading if you want to have some fun.
HERM COLORING CONTEST WINNERS
First Place: Violet Horst, age 7. Her proud parents are Mark Horst ’05 and Debbie Boese ’07.
Second Place: Muhammad Babar, age 6. Proud parents: Nabeel Babar & Sharmila Afzal
Third Place: Sydney Byler, age 8. Proud parents: Holden Byler ’06 and Heidi Bowman Byler ’04
Fourth Place: Nora Sandberg, age 7. Proud parents: Daniel Sandberg ’05 and Megan Yoder Sandberg ’05