Squirrel-naming fun brings big boost to campus causes
At 11:59 p.m. on April 8, 2026, 1,246 squirrels at Kansas State University celebrated a new beginning. The wait for their new names was finally over!
As part of K-State Day of Giving, Wildcats could name one of their campus companions while supporting important initiatives that drive student success, game-changing research, and stronger communities in Kansas and across the globe.
As the names rolled in, several themes emerged:
Majestic monikers
K-State purple is royal, and so are these names:
- Dequavious Slime the Round, King of Manhattan: Art department
- Phineas Acorn-Bushywick, Third Viscount of Oakenshore: Shelter medicine
- Her Majesty Queen Juji of the Purple Oaks: Accounting scholarship
- Duke Fluffernutter of the Eastern Oaks: Business of sports and entertainment
- Sir Shellen’ Burglar the squirrely and spry grain thief: International Grains Program
- Madame Gomphrena of the Nutterland: Horticulture scholarship
Nutty 90s names
The 1990s are back, and these squirrel names prove it:
- Bill S. Preston, Esquirrel: Cats’ Cupboard
- Edward Squirrelhands: KSU Libraries
- Cosmo: Political science department
- Chester Copperpot: Cats’ Cupboard
- NUTorious B.I.G.: Physician assistant program
- Rex Manning: Cats’ Cupboard
Entertaining entries
Books, movies, music … the arts delivered plenty of fodder for fun names.
- Rhett Nutler: Fighting for a Cure Campaign
- Jessie’s Squirrel: Shelter medicine
- Laverne & Squirrely: eSports scholarship
- Squirrely Temple: College of Veterinary Medicine renovation
What’s in a name? More than you’d think.
The names may be funny, but the impact is no joke: These newly named squirrels and others represent more than $220,000 for K-State’s future.
Next time you’re on campus, be sure to tell Hairy Pawter (named in honor of Farrell Library’s centennial celebration) hello!