This Groundhog Day, General Beauregard Lee, Georgia’s groundhog, will be on campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center Commons following his morning weather reporting duty.
Beau, as he is more affectionately known, resides year-round at the Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, where he emerges from his home on Groundhog Day to predict whether winter will continue or we will see an early spring.
"I thought it could be a cool learning opportunity for those students, international or otherwise, who are unfamiliar with Groundhog Day and its origin," said Jeremiah Robertson, an aerospace engineering major and director of programming for the Residence Hall Association, who helped bring Beau to campus.
According to the Yellow River Game Ranch, Beau has been commended for his prediction accuracy by the National Weather Service. He has also been on The TODAY Show and holds two honorary doctorates: a "Doctor of Weather Prognostication" from the University of Georgia, and a "Doctor of Southern Groundology" from Georgia State University.
Last year, Beau did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring. Beau will report his prediction Tuesday morning via Twitter.
Beau’s appearance is part of the annual Campus Services Loves Students Carnivale event. In addition to giving students the opportunity to meet Beau, Campus Services will give out prizes and other items as part of the student appreciation event.
"I hope it will help bring our campus together by allowing everyone to enjoy the Carnivale and our special guest," Robertson said.
[Update: At 7:48 a.m., Beau did not see his shadow and reported an early spring.]
]]>