September 21, 2005

Mr. and Ms. Wuf Moonlight as Engineers

Engineering seniors Julian Willoughby and Mary Andrews balance Wuf duties with their studies. (Photo: courtesy Media Relations, NC State University)

You see them at football games and basketball games, on TV and at major college events. Mr. and Ms. Wuf, the furry mascots for the Wolfpack, are arguably the busiest couple at NC State. One would never guess that they could possibly have time to pursue engineering degrees, but for chemical and biomolecular engineering seniors Julian Willoughby and Mary Andrews balancing mascot engagements and engineering studies is a way of life.

Andrews, who is minoring in biotechnology, hopes to work in forensics with the FBI after graduation. A seasoned traveler, she has spent summers in Spain and is spending this summer in Charleston with her sister. Prior to becoming Ms. Wuf, Andrews had no cheerleading or mascot experience. She got involved after attending a ballgame and watching Ms. Wuf entertain the crowd. After the game, she met with the coach and tried out to become one of three to play Ms. Wuf.

Half Wuf, half engineer makes one busy life for senior Julian Willoughby. (Photo: courtesy Media Relations, NC State University)

“Balancing the weekly appearances and my classes is not very high stress for me,” says Andrews. “Planning and organizing is the key. And there are three of us, so if someone can’t make a game or an event, we have another person who can go in our place.”

Willoughby, who is also minoring in biotechnology, is interested in biomolecular science and the new field of nanoscience. In addition to attending classes and being Mr. Wuf this fall, he will be working on a research project with Dr. Orlin Velev, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at NC State. Willoughby enjoys his life as mascot and often works in other mascot costumes from Arthur the Aardvark to the Cat from Busy Town.

“I really enjoy the community work,” says Willoughby. “We go to hospitals and minor league baseball games. Last year I threw the opening pitch at the Durham Bulls game. I was Arthur the Aardvark. I’m a big sports fan, so it has been great to be standing beside T.A. McLendon in the end zone during last year’s homecoming game and riding to Hickory in a van with Chuck Amato last summer.”

In addition to their official appearances at college and community events, Mr. and Ms. Wuf go to private parties and deliver happy birthday messages for a fee.

Wherever they go, both Andrews and Willoughby agree that the reactions of the fans are the best part of the job. They know their presence helps kids and adults get more enjoyment from the event. Both say that being Mr. and Ms. Wuf is a terrific college experience.

— weston —

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