FAYETTE, Iowa (August 27, 2008)-Upper Iowa University's "Pete the Peacock" mascot now has a second home overseas at UIU's Kota Damansara Campus in Malaysia, thanks to a group of special donors. 
Dr. DeWayne Frazier, senior vice president for international programs; Joe Monaco, alumni association president; Dr. Harry Maue, board of trustee and international committee chair, and Jerry McCauley, board of trustee chair, were instrumental in the fundraising effort toward the purchase of a Pete the Peacock suit.
"I am pleased to see Pete have a home in Malaysia, too," said McCauley. "This is consistent with UIU's desire to develop global citizens on one flat global campus. Cross-cultural exchange is a vital part of that effort."
The suit was delivered to the Malaysian students' Fayette House, the American Degree Program student club, during Frazier's recent trip to Asia.
According to Frazier, students jammed the auditorium the day Pete made his appearance. "The purchase of a Pete the Peacock mascot suit is a testament to how Upper Iowa cares about each and every student, no matter where in the world they study," said Frazier. "It is coincidental that the peacock is much revered in parts of Asia."
Frazier added, "The students were very happy to have Pete and identified with it as one more connection to their home campus in Fayette."
Pete will serve as a University ambassador overseas, participating in recruitment fairs, exhibitions and visiting local secondary schools for preview days, as well as various student activities such as a dances, community service projects, and open houses at the Malaysia center. He will occasionally make guest appearances in Singapore and Hong Kong, where Upper Iowa also has centers.
Training on mascot protocol was provided for the staff and students at the center and only these students will be designated to serve as Pete. Frazier said, "Pete the Peacock brings a little ‘Americana' to the other side of the world."
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu
