Meet our paw-some mascot: Hartley Bear

Posted by Students Communications - RP | November 18, 2022 9:08 am

We are delighted to introduce our newest member of the University of Southampton community – our life-sized Hartley Bear mascot:

A picture of the life-sized Hartley Bear Mascot on campus posing for the camera with both paws in the air.

Named after Henry Robinson Hartley, you may already know Hartley Bear as the small, soft graduation toy, complete with a graduation cap and gown – who is not camera shy and loves a spot of fancy dress throughout the year!

A montage of images featuring the small, soft graduation toy version of Hartley Bear in fancy dress. This includes small Hartley in a Southampton FC football kit, in a sports kit on a gym mat, in a white raincoat with red polka dots, and Harley dancing along to Strictly Come Dancing in his graduation outfit.

Bigger and better
As you can see, Hartley Bear has been itching for fame and recently underwent a transformation. He has grown (a little!) so he can celebrate events and special occasions like Graduation with us as our VIP guest.

A picture of the life-sized Hartley Bear Mascot on campus, pointing and smiling at the camera.

First public appearance
Akin to most celebrities, you may not spot Hartley Bear studying in the library or around our campuses day-to-day, but he would love to meet you at his first public appearance. This will be at the annual Festive Lights Celebration, taking place on Tuesday (29 November), from 17:00 on Highfield Campus.

You won’t miss him, and he loves a selfie (or two!)

Please be assured – small Hartley Bears are still available to buy on the University website.

A picture of the life-sized Hartley Bear Mascot on campus posing for the camera, smiling and pointing with one paw to the camera, and one paw on his hip.