Indianapolis bids farewell to a beloved member of its community as Butler Blue III, fondly known as Trip, the retired live mascot of Butler University, passes away after a brief illness.

A Legacy of Service and Spirit

Trip, an English Bulldog, served as Butler’s live mascot from 2013 to 2020. The news of his passing was announced on Saturday morning, leaving many to reflect on his years of dedicated service. Trip, aged 12 at the time of his passing, was surrounded by his loving family during his final moments.

Fond Memories and Gratitude

Michael Kaltenmark ’02, Trip’s handler and caretaker, expressed heartfelt sentiments, stating, Trip will long be remembered for his spirit and passion. He further added, As we mourn his loss, we do so with fond memories and a debt of gratitude for his service.

From Collar Ceremony to Retirement

Trip’s journey as a mascot began at just one year old during a Collar Ceremony at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 9, 2013. His retirement came on May 31, 2020, marking the end of an era for Butler University.

A Mascot with Star Power

Trip’s popularity extended far beyond the confines of Butler University. With an impressive following of 100,000 fans, he became a beloved figure in the community. His adventures took him to 22 states, where he personally delivered Butler admission decisions and even made headlines for an incident at Madison Square Garden.

National Recognition

Trip’s charm and charisma captured the attention of national media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NEWS.ORG Nightly News, and NEWS.ORG 4 Evening News. His star power even landed him a role in the Netflix series DOGS.

A Lasting Tribute

President James Danko expressed gratitude to Trip’s caretakers, Michael Kaltenmark and his family, for their dedication to the live-mascot program at Butler University. As a tribute to Trip, his official portrait will be displayed at the Butler Bookstore inside Atherton Union, allowing the community to pay their respects.

Remembering Trip

Details regarding Trip’s memorial service will be announced on his social media channel, @TheButlerBlue. The Indianapolis community and Butler University alike mourn the loss of a beloved mascot whose legacy will be cherished for years to come.

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