Meet Rosie Bea, Dominican University’s Newest Star

Dominican University is pleased to welcome its newest Star and “presidential pup,” Rosie Bea!

The precocious puppy arrived over the weekend and is settling in at home with President Glena Temple.

Rosie Bea is named in honor of the Rosary Beads, the university’s mascot from 1975 to 1979 during its days as Rosary College. Her official naming came after suggestions poured in via social media from current students, alumni, faculty, staff, community members and others late last week.

In addition to Rosie, other suggestions included Star, Stella, Estrella, Mazz, Mazzie, Sam, Dominique, Clara, and Cari (for Caritas) among many others.

Despite the rigors of travel, Rosie Bea took the time to sit down with Marketing and Communications for an exclusive interview.

Q: Welcome to Dominican, Rosie! How was your trip here?

A: Great! I got to hang my head out the window all I wanted; it doesn’t get much better than that!

Q: When is your birthday?

A: About six months ago. I can’t remember the exact day because it was soooo long ago. Everyone tells me I should act like a “big girl” now, but I’m going to keep playing the puppy card for as long as I can.

Q: Where were you staying prior to arriving on campus?

A: I have been at puppy boot camp for the last 10 weeks to learn manners and become well-behaved. Good luck with that! I’m a puppy, after all! I’m so happy to be in River Forest where I have soft beds, lots of toys, so many new places to smell and explore — and a new puppy parent who is at my beck and call! I’m a lucky dog!

Q: Have you decided on a major?

A: Not yet! There’s so much to choose from at Dominican! I love designing my own doggie bandanas, so do I double-major in fashion design and business? Of course, bones really get me excited, so I was thinking bio-chem might be a good fit. Oh, and I do love preparing a good steak (and healthy vegetarian options, of course), so naturally I’ve considered nutrition and dietetics. A lot of people have been saying I should try the pre-veterinary program for obvious reasons, but at heart, I think I’m more a digital journalism kind of girl. If I could, I’d major in them all! But that would be kind of…ruff. (Sorry for the pun).

Q: Will students be able to pet and play with you when you come to campus?

A: Absolutely! I can’t wait to meet everybody and learn about the exciting subjects you’re studying. And I love selfies — I mean, I am pretty cute.

Q: What are you looking forward to visiting on campus?

A: I can’t wait to run around the brand-new gym floor! It’s almost like they replaced it just for me! While I’m there, I can get a great workout on the treadmill in the fitness center. I bet there are a lot of good table scraps in the dining hall, so I’ll be sure to get over there soon, too. And the Simulation Education Center! The patients in the beds sure don’t say much; maybe I can be their emotional support dog?

Q: What are you most looking forward to at DU Fest on Aug. 28?

A: My big debut, of course. I feel like a celebrity, or shall I say, a star? Of course, meeting a bunch of friendly new faces will be blast. I wonder if there will be jerky-flavored cotton candy….

Q: Fetch or Frisbee?

A: Personally, I prefer something more intellectually stimulating. After figuring out a complex doggie puzzle, I like a good tail chase. I’m telling you: Hours of entertainment.

Q: What did you think about the social media campaign to give you a name?

A: You all came up with some creative options, that’s for sure! I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I really look like a “Barky McBarkface.” “Bark Carbonara” was pretty clever, though. (Shout out to Mark!)

Q: Have you met any deer yet?

A: I try to say “hey,” but they just keep running away when I jog over to them! It’s messing with my self-esteem.

Q: What about adding a cat to the Dominican family?

A: You did not just ask me that. Next.

Q: Anything you want to say to the Dominican students, staff and faculty?

A: I’m thrilled to be the newest Star at Dominican and I’m looking forward to a lot of hugs, laps around the Quad and even some quiet time at the Grotto. I’m lucky to be here!