Mascots, Cheerleaders, and Moments That Matter

One of the most meaningful memories from my years working at Limestone University has nothing to do with press releases, marketing strategies, or enrollment campaigns.

It has everything to do with family.

I will never forget the day our twin daughters, Grace and Ashton, joined me their freshman year for an appearance at a local elementary school. Grace was wearing the Bernie mascot suit, while Ashton was there in her Saints cheerleader uniform, ready to bring smiles and school spirit to the children.

At one point, a little girl walked over to me, placed her hot chocolate in my hands, and then ran to Bernie with arms wide open. She wrapped both arms tightly around Bernie’s neck and held on as if she never wanted to let go. A few moments later, I realized I couldn’t find Grace anywhere.

I finally found Grace alone in a dark hallway, sitting quietly with the Bernie head off, tears streaming down her face. She explained that the little girl had only one hand and had given me her hot chocolate so both arms could be free to hug Bernie. Grace hadn’t expected an encounter like that, and it clearly touched her deeply. In that instant, I realized that sharing my Limestone journey with my family would be something truly remarkable. It wasn’t just about campus events or appearances. It was about creating memories that would remain with us for a lifetime. That experience left an impression on all of us that we will never forget.

Both Grace and Ashton were students at Limestone during their time making appearances, whether as Bernie or as cheerleaders. On several occasions, they even took turns being Bernie, sharing the role and the happiness it inspired. They certainly didn’t do it for notoriety or praise. Bernie’s identity was always kept secret, which meant neither of them received recognition for the smiles they brought.

And yet, that was what made it so meaningful.

Their reward came in the delight of children, the cheers of fans, and the quiet moments when they knew they had lifted someone’s spirit. Together, the twins brought energy and excitement to campus and community events, from football games to parades to hospital visits. I was blessed to watch it all up close, not just as part of my job, but as a father seeing my daughters make a difference for others. My role at Limestone was already fulfilling, but those experiences made it far more than a job. They became part of our family story.

We even managed to expand that circle further. Ashton’s boyfriend Andrew and his family generously volunteered their beloved Saint Bernard, Axel, to serve as Limestone’s live mascot. They never charged us a dime, hauling Axel to tailgates, parades, special campus events, and more. They took care of everything, from having him professionally groomed to giving him a well-earned cheeseburger (or two) afterward, simply because they knew how many smiles he could bring. Watching my daughters, their loved ones, and even Axel become part of Limestone’s story reminded me that the heart of Limestone was not found in its buildings or programs, but in the people who brought it to life.

What I came to appreciate most during my years at Limestone was how deeply the university was woven into the community. It wasn’t just a place for learning. It was where generations of families gathered for games, celebrated milestones, and shared pride. Whether cheering on Saturday afternoons or watching Bernie in a holiday parade, the community felt connected, and my family was fortunate to be right in the middle of it.

For us, Limestone became part of our family identity. Grace and Ashton stepped into roles that connected them to something bigger than themselves, and their future fiancés joined in, creating memories we will always cherish.

Even after Grace finished her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she asked to be Bernie one last time at Limestone’s graduation this past May, knowing it would be the final one. Her heart was heavy, but she wanted to see Bernie bring smiles to students and families one last time. Watching her take on that responsibility for the final appearance, marking the end of an era, was bittersweet and beautiful. It captured everything Limestone had meant to us, including connection, care for others, and being part of something larger than ourselves.

What made those years truly unforgettable was not only the professional challenges or accomplishments. It was sharing those experiences with my family and the community, seeing firsthand the impact a university could have beyond its own walls. Limestone gave us more than an education or a career. It gave us laughter, pride, tears, and enduring memories.

Even though Limestone ultimately closed, its spirit lives on in every life it touched. For our family, it will always be more than a university. It was where our stories intertwined, where our daughters found purpose, and where we experienced what it truly means to be part of a caring community. The best way to honor that legacy now is to carry Limestone’s spirit forward, lifting others up, spreading smiles, and doing what we can to make the world a little brighter.