Can you name that bear!?

With the fall semester, along came a giant, gray bear. The fuzzy bear surprisingly showed up at the USF College of Nursing. No one knew where he came from!

The furry friend, dressed in the USF Nursing uniform and a bow tie, spends his long days in dean’s office, classrooms and labs. At times, he even shows up in the gathering space…studying with the students! He’s not shy!

Rumor has it; he is the father of the small bears that the college delivers to sick children at local hospitals during the holidays. But no one knows for sure!

Either way, students, faculty and staff enjoy his company. They love having him around.

Everyone sees something special in him…especially Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, senior associate vice president of USF Health and Dean of the College of Nursing.

So, she adopted him!

The furry bear is here to stay. He now belongs to USF College of Nursing. His presence brings smiles and happiness. His joyful attitude matches the college’s B.E.A.R.S. campaign mission, which is now an annual tradition.

Although the bear is part of the family, he still needs a name. What should we call him? Softy, Fuzzy, Beary!? Well, let’s just leave it up to you!

How can you do that? USF Nursing Media and Communications will host a two-day event Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  in the college’s gathering space-to meet and get to know him.

During this event, you will have the opportunity to submit your name idea as well as take selfies with the bear to post on your social media–using the #namethatbear and #usfbullnurse hashtags.

The contest will also be available online at http://conta.cc/1rN1i00 through Oct. 31, 2014. The winning name will be announced in Nov. 2014.

Beary cool, right!