Meet Bucky, Bemidji's Favorite Beaver
Have you seen a buck-toothed, tail-wagging, dam-building mascot on the loose? No doubt you saw Bucky the Beaver doing his thing.
Bemidji State's beaver mascot has been around since at least the 1950s in one form or another. Today's version of Bucky has him looking younger, fresher and peppier than ever. He's over-the-top enthusiastic, endlessly proud of his northern roots and always ready for a fist-bump, selfie or hijinks with fellow BSU fans.
Our "Beavers" nickname dates back nearly a century. As President Manfred Deputy reviewed football practice one evening in May 1932, he remarked that the players were "working hard as beavers." He called the team into a huddle and, raising his hands above their heads, declared, “I christen this team the Beavers!”
Just like that, an identity was formed. And Bucky was well on his way to becoming perhaps the most recognizable face of the university.
Support Students Like Ivan
Ivan Tavarez, a member of Bemidji State University’s graduating Class of 2025, spent a year inside the Bucky the Beaver costume to bring the mascot's personality to life. And the scholarship support that he’s received from the Bucky Forever Fund guided him toward a degree in economics.
Tavarez, an international student from the Dominican Republic, credits constant family support from back home for helping him reach the Commencement stage. He said scholarships also played a central role in the process, and he expressed his gratitude for donors who help students like him succeed.
“Scholarships, they help a lot… especially when you’re paying out of pocket and you’ve got to find a way to make it through every semester,” Tavarez said. “It doesn’t matter how much it is. As long as you’re getting something, it’s helping and it’s making it easier.”
About the Scholarship
We believe that mascots bring an irreplaceable flair to campus, driving up school spirit and university pride. That's why we're investing in it.
The Bucky Forever Fund is a scholarship initiative awarded to students who excel academically and serve as Bemidji State's mascot at athletic games, university events and more.
This scholarship fund is designed to foster school spirit, reward dedicated students and build a sense of community among alumni and current students. The BSU Alumni & Foundation is committed to making this fund a success to ensure the continued presence of our beloved mascot.
To be eligible for the Bucky Forever Fund scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a current student or incoming freshman
- Serve as the official university mascot
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Demonstrate commitment to the role of the mascot through documented participation in school events
Preference will be given to Bemidji High School graduates.
Donate
You can play an active role in the scholarship by making a donation and helping the Bucky Forever Fund maximize its potential for current and future students. Click below to get started.
The Evolution of Bucky
Bucky has come a long way over the years. Here's a look at how Bucky has grown up since he first popped up on campus.
