It's even true his face gets a little furry at times, and he's known to be patient with fans who tug on his ears. Using a mascot suit purchased with donations from the Fairbanks community and the UAF Alumni Association, Edson transforms himself from a regular UAF staff member into the Nanook mascot, the epitome of school spirit, for various athletic events and community gatherings. Edson has appeared as mascot at hockey and basketball games, as well as the Golden Days Parade and alumni events. For his continuing efforts to boost school spirit at UAF, Edson was awarded the 1999 Chancellor's Recognition Award . When he's out of the mascot uniform, Edson is known to drive around campus with a stuffed bear and hockey sticks attached to the front of his UAF garbage truck as he cleans up the campus.
Bad guys beware.
Do some crime at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and you're likely to spend some time behind bars. But at least the ride to jail will be in style. Two vehicles from the UAF Police Department received first place honors in the federal or state agency category during the 1999 International Best Police Vehicle Design Competition, which drew more than 400 entries this year. Judges selected the Ford Expeditions, emblazened with the Nanook school mascot ambling across the side of each vehicle, based on the graphic design, application and appearance of the police logo. The competition was sponsored by 3M Company and Law and Order magazine, which featured UAF in their July issue.