Samantha Hirschman | Marketing and Events Manager

Many have wondered “Who is under the mask of Buford the Beaver?”

Mason Todd, a senior Physics/Pre-Engineering major, has been Buford since his freshman year. In the audio clip below, Todd explains what it means to him and what his favorite part is of being Buford.

Buford is a symbol of our beloved college, Buena Vista University, and represents much more than a simple animal. Todd describes Buford as a “piece of the crowd.” He continues to say that he has a “positive influence on the people around you.”

The hardest part about being Buford, as Todd explains, are the limitations that are placed on the mascot. “Hardest part about being Buford is… you can’t see, you can’t hear, you can’t talk, you can’t smile, and mobility is limited.” He also continues to explain that the temperature makes an impact on Buford. “If it’s 60 degrees outside then it’s about 90 degrees in the suit,” Todd states.

“You’re a giant beaver and why would people take you seriously,” explains Todd. Some fans don’t take Buford seriously and so responding to those people can also be very difficult.

In light of his last year, he offers advice to any future Buford.

Image by: Lindsey Graham