Augustana College and Renaissance Rock Island are working together to introduce new students and prospective students to the city. Today they launched a campaign featuring Mini Gus, a small version of the college mascot, Gus the Viking.
They commissioned a video featuring students talking about their favorite bars, restaurants, parks, and other sites in the city. And starting tomorrow Mini Gus will start making the rounds of these locations, with updates on social media.
Augustana executive vice president, Kent Barnds, says it's an effort to create excitement about the college and the city.
Mini Gus's first stop, Thursday through next Tuesday, will be at the Cool Beanz Coffeehouse, followed by appearances at the Botanical Center, and Rozz-Tox.
Early next month, he's expected to ride in Rock Island's Labor Day Parade.