
As a Goshen native with family roots that run deep in "The Maple City," Dash had always heard about the Maple Leafs and their athletic teams. Ever since the 1950s, their family had been avid supporters of the Leafs, but only from afar. The family would always scamper around the campus, enjoying the smiling faces of students and the changing colors of autumn. But with squirrels not being allowed in the Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center and Dash's parents not letting them venture alone to the outdoor athletic fields, the energetic squirrel could only listen to passing conversations to get a glimpse of the Maple Leafs results.
Dash grew up always wanting to attend Goshen events. The clever and quick student-athletes had always enthralled them. Although at a small school, the Leafs were mighty on the court and in the classroom and community. Dash's inquisitive cousins (the black she- … the black squirrels of the family) were always trying to get them to defy orders and start going to Maple Leafs athletic events. Dash's confident nature and enthusiasm for GC won out in the end, and they made their debut in the fall of 2022 during the 2022 Homecoming Weekend's alumni award convocation.
Dash strives to create community, cultivate joy and purpose, and build pride in being a part of GC. If you see them around, give Dash a high five and snap a picture with them!
A Q&A With Dash (Good of Goshen)
FUN FACTS ABOUT DASH
AGE: Debuted on October 7, 2022
BIRTHPLACE: Goshen, Indiana
PERSONALITY: Energetic, friendly, enthusiastic, clever, quick and small but mighty
WEIGHT: More than your average squirrel
SHOE SIZE: 42
HABITAT: Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center
SPECIES: Sciurus carolinensis
FRIENDS: The animals at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center and Captain Maple Leaf
FAVORITE FOODS: Nuts, and cookies from the dining hall
FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR FROM THE CHIEF: Peanut butter
FAVORITE MOVIES: Ice Age, The Incredibles
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Gilmore Squirrels
FAVORITE SONGS: "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival" by Ray Stevens, "Squirrels Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
FAVORITE COLORS: Purple and white, of course!
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: In the Florida Keys at the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station
FAVORITE HANGOUT SPOT: Maple Leafs athletic events
Gallery: (3-10-2023) The Life and Adventures of Dash