Columbus State to Celebrate Cody the Cougar’s 55th Birthday with Community Event

Staff Report

Columbus State University will celebrate the 55th birthday of its beloved mascot, Cody the Cougar, with a community-wide party on April 9, at Cougar Field. The event will take place during CSU Softball’s doubleheader against Fort Valley State University, with games scheduled for 4 and 6:30 p.m.

Admission to both the birthday celebration and softball games is free for students, faculty, staff and the public. Fans are encouraged to wear red or Columbus State spirit gear to show their support.

Festivities will include:

• Free frozen treats and cupcakes (while supplies last)
• Inflatables and on-site concessions
• Photo opportunities with Cody the Cougar
• A community-wide rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Cody
• Activities for children and families

“Of course, we’ll be singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Cody during pauses in the game, and we’ll have other activities for everyone—especially the kids—to enjoy,” said Aryah Buckman, assistant director of annual giving.

In addition to the festivities, Columbus State’s Office of Admissions will be on-site to provide information about university enrollment and answer prospective students' questions.

Cody the Cougar has been a symbol of school spirit since 1970, when Columbus College students voted to make the cougar the official mascot. The decision was reported in the university’s student newspaper, “The Saber,” on May 6, 1970.

For more information, follow Cody and the CSU Cheer team on Facebook and Instagram. To request a mascot appearance, contact Cheer Coach Jimbo Davis at davis_james@columbusstate.edu.0