Hardin-Simmons University's unofficial mascot, Gilbert the Goose, is celebrating his 11th birthday this year. His birthday party will be held on the HSU Intramural Fields on Friday, April 26, at 8 p.m.
The original Gilbert was brought to HSU’s campus in 2013 by several freshman boys residing in Ferguson Hall. The goose was stolen from the Abilene Zoo and placed in Ferguson as part of a joke. This sent the campus police on a “wild goose” chase to quite literally find a goose in the building. The goose was then placed in the campus pond by Anderson lawn, where our current Gilbert resides. What started as a joke has now turned into a campus tradition.
Gilbert spends his days waddling around the pond, observing students and holding a special place in everyone’s hearts. HSU loves Gilbert the Goose and therefore every April, the campus comes together to celebrate Gilbert’s birthday.
“My favorite part of the event is all the people that show up,” Andrea Ashburn, senior exercise science major from McAllen, said. “It is one of the most attended events of the year and I love how a silly goose brings the community together.”
This event has a lot to offer to all HSU students who attend. Free Whataburger honey butter chicken biscuits will be served. In addition, there will be a mechanical bull, snowcones, fireworks and a cornhole tournament. Orders for Gilbert’s annual birthday shirt have been placed, so if you ordered one make sure to wear your swag to the birthday party.
Gilbert’s cornhole tournament is a perfect chance to embrace friendly competition with fellow HSU students. This year’s prizes are a $100 Whataburger gift card and Whataburger Yeti cups for both partners. The link to sign up for this completion is included below:
Gilbert’s Birthday Bash is the perfect chance to engage with fellow students, staff and community members. As the semester winds down, it is important to remember that we are all a community here at HSU. Gilbert is one of the many symbols of our devotion to Hardin-Simmons. He brings us together, and his birthday party is no exception.