Scottish Terriers are feisty, self-assured, playful and quick. Since the early 1960s, this breed has served as Immaculata’s mascot. Though he has had various forms through the years—first as Mackie, then rebooted as Mac in 2007; originally with black fur, later gray and white—Mac has always displayed the best qualities of the breed and of the IU community. And he has some impressive dance moves. Three people who brought this Scottie dog to life through the decades share their memories.
HOW WERE YOU SELECTED TO BE MAC?
Rosanne “Bobbi” Cappiello Taylor ’67: As I understand it, I was Immaculata’s first mascot, in 1963. Tried out for the basketball team with Miss Spencer. I took the ball down to the other end and she asked me what I was doing—since, at that moment, women played half court! She suggested I skip basketball and become the mascot. Also, I was one of the few who fit into the costume. It was the next best thing to being on the team.
Paul McAndrew ’10: I was one of the original students who tried out for and joined the “Mac Pack”! I received mascot training from the original Philly Phanatic and learned the best ways to engage with people. It was one of the best job trainings I’ve ever had.
Sarah Guido ’22: The audition was the first time I put the suit on. It was intimidating, because I had to perform all these scenarios for the judges while trying to figure out how to move in the suit. Because of COVID, we could not put the head on, so it made my life a little easier.
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT REPRESENTING IMMACULATA IN THIS WAY?
Taylor: There were times I wondered what I’d gotten myself into, but most of the time, it was enjoyable. Mascots have to be enthusiastic. No matter what— whether the team was up or down, the mascot’s role is to keep everyone, players and fans, going.
McAndrew: The pride I had in my school soared when I became Mac. As one of the original Macs, we had to help build his personality, giving him positive energy and goofiness.
Guido: I consider myself a really outgoing and silly person. It is such a fun experience, because you are expected to act a little crazy.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ABOUT BEING MAC?
Taylor: Trying to run, breathe and not fall down in that head!
McAndrew: One year we were invited to play in a mascot kickball game with several sports mascots and other characters, including Buddy the Blood Drop! Making others laugh and smile and giving classic Mac hugs were my favorite, priceless memories.
Guido: At this year’s women’s basketball championship, the crowd was already really pumped, and it did not take much to get them excited. Being right there when the women won and seeing their emotion was something I was so happy to be a part of.
HOW DID PLAYING MAC HELP YOU WITH YOUR GOALS?
Taylor: The enthusiasm necessary for being Mac carried over into my work life and beyond to include starting a training and consulting business and, just recently, releasing my first book.
McAndrew: After graduation, I was a camp counselor. The goofiness that I inherited from Mac became a part of who I was, and to this day, I still call on that spirit.
Guido: It has helped me appreciate what goes on behind the scenes. I also think being Mac will help me stand out from others on my résumé, because it is such a random, fun thing that not everyone can do!
