Author: vle

If you’ve been an avid fan of the Alumni Association’s Welcome Wednesdays free bagels and coffee like myself, you’ve most likely come across a mascot named Bagely, the new symbol of Welcome Wednesdays after their relocation to the League and Pierpont Commons during the Center’s construction. I don’t know who decided and approved the idea of a literal person dressed in a bagel costume, but I can say that his presence is certainly alluring albeit alarming. Bagely, a flat-looking everything bagel, has signature bright blue eyes and a mouth agape, a ribbon of cream cheese lining his circular edges, and is complete with puffy white gloves. He greeted me with a friendly wave outside the League this week.

From what I can find, Bagely was first introduced this year, as an effort to publicize Welcome Wednesdays, and as a way to greet students back on campus. This video, published a mere week ago, depicts a saddened Bagely unable to find Welcome Wednesdays, assisted by Michigan staff to its various new locations. Just a day prior to the video’s release, the Alumni Association sent out an email to Michigan students signed by Bagely himself. Bagely’s popularity has skyrocketed across campus, with memes popping up every day on Michigan’s numerous student Facebook pages and pictures of fans posing with the bagel mascot spread across social media. Students are drawn to his creepy presence and seemingly impervious demeanor, including myself. Perhaps he will even reach the same meme status as our beloved orientation hero Billy Magic.

Does this video eerily imply that Bagely is a cannibal if he eats his own species? Which poor student/staff member has to dress up like Bagely? Whose idea was this? Why did the university agree to spend money on promoting a bagel mascot? Why can’t he speak? Although my questions mostly remain unanswered, it appears that Bagely won’t be leaving campus anytime soon.

The chubby, furry creatures are a ubiquitous sight during the school year, and can be seen scurrying to and fro around the campus diags. Bushy-tailed grey squirrels for the most part have captured the hearts of university students. While squirrels are not only particular to Ann Arbor, and I want to understand why they are so ingrained in Michigan culture.

If you have ever taken a tour of the University of Michigan, your tour guide has probably mentioned the Squirrel Feeding Club that is simply a group of people passionate about feeding squirrels. However, I have never seen them in person, nor heard of anybody who’s actually a member of the club, but nonetheless the idea is wholesome and kind-hearted. If you are a member of this club… text me.

Many a time I have stopped in my tracks while walking through campus, to gaze at a squirrel who seems to stare into my soul before running off. It’s quite endearing in a strange way.

Michigan squirrels have been elevated to an almost mascot-like status, with candid photos of large squirrels holding cookies, apples, and even a jar of peanut butter. They have been serenaded, played with, even memed. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Professor Myers in this article explained that campus squirrels have become accustomed to constant feeding and interaction with humans, and are thus more friendly than common squirrels. Apparently, they can still bite, but many students find them adorable and entertaining.

Plus, the life of a U-M squirrel must be pretty nice. Former psychology professor Christopher Peterson wrote an opinion piece on Psychology Today, explaining his reasoning of why a being Michigan squirrel would be the ideal life–the squirrels expect to be fed, run free among dozens of trees, have two breeding seasons a year, and interact with people every day.

Along with Reggie the iconic campus corgi, the beloved squirrels are sure to stay in the hearts of Michigan students.

Last week, my sophomore studio and I had the chance to roam around the Stamps IP studios, which are reserved for senior BFA and BA students. Upon entering, I was immediately impressed and shocked at the rows and rows of cubicles. Exploring the area, which is a lot larger than it looks from the outside, splashes of color and personality popped out from white walls. There were door-sized paintings, and couches, and of course, a “F*CK STAMPS” sign lovingly placed on a student’s desk.

Each student has their own individual work area, equipped with a white desk, a chair, and plenty of wall space to hang up art. What was most interesting to me was the diversity in each person’s alcove. Some students had big photo prints or oil paintings posted, while others had strewn up various fabric swatches. Some areas were  barren except for a few scattered belongings and boxes of coffee shots, and some were totally decked out–complete with bean bags, armchairs, lights, and rugs. One student even invited me to take candy from her communal bowl. It was endearing to see that students had essentially crafted a personal homey workspace for themselves, and were still able to collaborate with others around them.

Honestly, I wish I had more senior friends in the art school, so I could hang out and work in their studios. It seemed as if I were stepping into another world, where the next creative geniuses were diligently at work. I’m excited to continue my art and design journey and looking forward to getting a studio space of my own, placed among talented peers. If you haven’t visited the Stamps senior studios yet, I highly recommend you do so, and immerse yourself in creativity.