Meet ACE, the big dog on campus
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Big dog on campus. -
ACE draws a crowd at Nyberg’s Ace Hardware -
ACE is a one-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever.
Sioux Falls-based Nyberg’s Ace Hardware partnered with nearby Augustana University to support the college’s newest goodwill ambassador: ACE, a one-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever.
In addition to name recognition, the hardware store benefits from interaction with customers during multiple store events. (ACE lives with a handler on campus.)
“Not only has ACE become a close family friend, but he’s also been a fantastic marketing tool for Nyberg’s Ace,” said Kevin Nyberg, CEO and owner of Nyberg’s Ace Hardware.
Nyberg’s Ace has recently hosted ACE at their monthly Kid’s Club event and has also helped develop a coloring book, with the help of Augustana Art Students, which stars images of the dog. It is free for the children who attend.
ACE has taken over the role of “Augie Doggie,” the traditional Augustana University mascot, which had been played by a student in a dog suit. The tradition had lapsed for about 20 years, but it’s back in the form of the friendly, furry, four-legged ACE.
“Everybody loves ACE,” says Nyberg. “We are so thrilled to be a part of this initiative. The revival of the Augie Doggie mascot tradition after a 20-year hiatus strikes a chord with Nyberg’s Ace at its core.”
As part of his scholarly duties, ‘ACE’ not only actively engages with over 2,000 students and faculty members, immersing himself in campus activities, but he also extends his presence to events throughout the community.
You can find him visiting residents at a local retirement community, a hockey game or other sporting event on campus, or at Nyberg’s Ace-sponsored events.
Augustana Chief of Staff and ‘Ace’s’ guardian, Pam Miller, says: “ACE has been a wonderful addition to our campus community and the re-introduction of a long-standing tradition on our campus. We are grateful to Nyberg's Ace for sponsoring ACE and for being a great partner in his care.”
