On K-State Day of Giving 2026 — for 24 hours only — you can name one of the friendly squirrels that call our campuses home!
What’s in a name?
They’ve been a campus constant for generations of Wildcats, watching day after day, year after year as we hurry from building to building. Shouldn’t we be on a first-name basis by now?
The squirrels at TCU, the University of Houston and other Big 12 schools left their anonymity behind long ago, while ours are left to wonder if you even care.
How it works, in a nutshell
Step 1: On April 8, donate $18.63 or more to the K-State fund of your choice as part of K-State Day of Giving.
Step 2: Name your squirrel.
Step 3: Watch your email inbox. We’ll send you a digital certificate to make it “official,” and you’ll go forth knowing that you:
- Made a difference in the life of a campus squirrel
- Supported important initiatives that drive student success, game-changing research, and stronger communities in Kansas and across the globe
The name game
Think you’re clever? Keep your name idea squirreled away until K-State Day of Giving on April 8 when you can officially assign it, and watch the KSU Foundation’s social media to see if you won the squirrel name contest.
Ready to get the ideas flowing?
Honor your mom, a favorite professor or a historical hero. You can name as many of our bushy-tailed brethren as you’d like, so why not create a squirrel version of your family or favorite band? Go nuts!
Musical mammals
- Tail-or Swift
- Megan Thee Squirrel
- Squirrel! At the Disco
Movie monikers
- James Squirrel Jones
- Timothee Squirrelamet
- Jabba the Nut
Purple pride
- Darren Squirrels
- Ahearn Nuthouse
- Acorn Fieldhouse
Frequently asked questions
We don’t think it’s odd at all! Can you imagine campus without these adorable little scamps? Whether they’re working hard to hide nuts for winter or not-so-subtly asking you to share your snack, campus squirrels are an integral part of the K-State experience.
K-State’s squirrels are iconic, entertaining and, well, everywhere. And honestly, naming them is fun — just like giving back to K-State should be!
It’s a fun way to show your purple pride and directly support the university we love full well.
While your gift’s impact is real, the naming rights are symbolic. With your gift of $18.63 (the year of K-State’s founding) or more you have the power to point at any campus squirrel and proudly call it by your chosen name (we won’t refute your claim).
But remember: Do not attempt to hug them — these squirrels are named, not tamed.
The possibilities are (almost) endless! When you name a squirrel, consider something clever and punny (like Squirrel–lock Holmes or Fluffy the Vampire Slayer), a heartfelt shoutout, the name of your favorite professor, your favorite Varsity doughnut (Blueberry Opal) or even the title of a song stuck in your head (like “Wabash Cannonball”).
Glad you asked. We respect the dignity of our campus critters, so our dedicated squirrel squad will comb through each name like squirrels sort through nuts. We reserve the right to decline any name we feel is inappropriate or otherwise yucky and unflattering
You’ll have one opportunity to submit an alternate if your name is declined, but your gift will not be refunded. Choose wisely — and make your mother proud!
After our squirrel friends review your submission, we’ll send you an email confirming your squirrel name. On April 8 during K-State Day of Giving, we’ll send you a downloadable commemorative certificate.
During K-State Day of Giving, we encourage you to share your certificate and show your squirrel pride on social media. Tag us and use the hashtag #KStateDayofGiving.
Yes! During K-State Day of Giving on April 8, show off your clever names and encourage your fellow Wildcats to join you in making an impact!
We’ll be watching for the most creatively named squirrels. If your name is chosen as the best submission, you’ll earn widespread NUToriety and bragging rights for a full year.
Follow us for the punniest names and to watch for yours! Tag us and use the hashtag #KStateDayofGiving
We’re glad you asked. As a next-generation land-grant university, we just happen to have a squirrel expert right on campus.