Around the Press in 80 Books: Mike the Tiger

In celebration of LSUP’s 80th anniversary the staff selected 80 of our most memorable titles. Kicking off our “Around the Press in 80 Books” blog series, Financial Operations Manager Becky Brown writes about our University’s beloved mascot. 

BakerMIKE(2nd)_covfrontWhen you grow up in Baton Rouge, it’s just a given that you’ve visited Mike the Tiger on the LSU campus at least once in your life—probably multiple times.  It’s a tradition I’ve carried on with my children and hope to do with grandchildren someday.  Working on the LSU campus in the shadow of Tiger Stadium gives me the opportunity to visit Mike often, and I get a wonderful feeling of pride and satisfaction every time, knowing the long history and tradition of having a live Bengal tiger on our campus.  You never meet a stranger when you’re visiting Mike; he’s a conversation-starter for sure!  I’ve talked to numerous people who are passing through Baton Rouge just to visit Mike the Tiger.  And I love being able to share some of the stories, history, and legends of the six tigers who have been beloved Mikes.

Many of the stories in Mike the Tiger: The Roar of LSU are ones I remember from growing up in Baton Rouge and attending LSU. I enjoy flipping through the pages, absorbing the history, seeing the photos, re-living the memories.  Mike holds a special place in my heart and I know I’m not alone.  I’m so glad LSU Press published this book so that future generations know the reasons behind the long-standing traditions, and why Mike is so important to LSU.  It’s one of my absolute favorites and I’m proud to recommend it to anyone—particularly anyone who’s ever said, “meet me at the tiger cage”!

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