“Hebrew Revealed”
Starting in 1956, Hebrew the Bear has appeared on the Athens State University campus in various ways. The first mascot costume was created to symbolize the spirit of then Athens College, and its long, storied history. From cheering on the basketball team to being bear-napped multiple times, Hebrew quickly became a campus-wide celebrity and leverage for students to fundraise for local charities. While much has changed at Athens State since the days of late-night athletic events and fraternity pranks, Hebrew has remained a tried-and-true figure on campus.
Samuel Barker graduated from Athens State on April 27, 2024, with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in software and systems and a minor in mathematics. At his commencement ceremony, Barker surprised faculty, staff, and students by revealing his alter-ego, Hebrew the Bear. Barker made his way down the aisle in Carter Gymnasium and across the stage to accept his diploma and shake hands with Dr. Catherine Wehlburg’s, interim-president. Barker was in full graduation garb, only one thing was different. As Barker accepted his diploma he surprised everyone by revealing Hebrew’s paws. The secret was out and his alter-ego revealed. The reveal also signified that he would no longer have the joy of being “the bear”.
“Doing a graduation reveal was like a dream,” said Barker. “After hyping up the campus and community at various events for a couple of years, completely disguised, it was really fun to wear the paws while showing my face.”
Samuel Barker enrolled at Athens State University in 2022 with his eyes set on being an engaged member of our campus community. His mom was a student at Athens State in 2018 and shared many aspects of her Athens State experience with her son. She encouraged him to look into Athens State programs that were aligned with his interests, shared how engaged faculty members were with students, and eventually, she showed him social media content that showcased Hebrew the Bear.
Barker recalled thinking, “Wow, I wish I was a student at Athens State because I want to do that.”
Four years later, Barker was able to share this desire with Amy Garrison, Director of Student Activities, during his Athenian Ambassador interview. Athenian Ambassadors are the official hosts of Athens State University and represent the institution at various campus and community events.
“Samuel was a terrific ambassador,” said Garrison. “As Hebrew the Bear he connected with the community through his warm and energetic presence.”
Barker was drawn to the leadership development opportunities and positive campus life experience he could have as an Ambassador and the role became even more interesting to Barker when he learned that he could also represent the University as Hebrew.
“To me, the bear represents courage, persistence, optimism, and victory,” said Barker. “I have been able to represent a school that has done a fantastic job with helping students, inspiring students, and pushing them along their college and career path.”
Barker shared that the same positive and victorious mindset he embodied as Hebrew helped him during his time at Athens State. He went on to explain how faculty and staff always encouraged him to do his best and persevere even when challenges arose. While at Athens State Barker chose to face challenges head on, with optimism, and get the job done to the best of his ability. Barker truly exemplified the Athens State spirit in and out of the mascot costume.
“Samuel Barker embodied the spirit of Athens State University with his portrayal of Hebrew the Bear, our beloved mascot, while also exemplifying exceptional leadership and academic excellence,” said Dr. Catherine Wehlburg, Interim President.
Through Barker’s dedication and passion for Athens State and assuming the role of Hebrew, he was able to manage the schedule and daily tasks with a can-do attitude. Hebrew is requested at all types of events. From Higher Education Day at the state’s capitol to holiday parties, an appearance from Hebrew is highly sought after.
When asked about a day in the life of Hebrew, Barker humbly commented, “My hat is off to Athens State and Student Activities for making the mascot role organized, equipped with costuming, and prioritized through the help of a Hebrew Handler.”
A Hebrew Handler accompanies Hebrew to events, ensures that Hebrew navigates event locations safely, and assists with props and costumes. As Barker elaborated on scheduling, event attendance, costume logistics, and more, never once did he complain. He proudly spoke of his time as Hebrew and how much he believes in Athens State.
“I believe in Athens State and the work that is being done here,” stated Barker. “It was an honor to be Hebrew for two years because I had the opportunity to give back what had been given to me.”
Commencement Ceremonies were always Barker’s favorite Hebrew appearances and what a full-circle moment it was being able to walk the stage as both graduate and mascot. He joyfully articulated the rewarding experience it always was to see the smiles and pride that graduates shared with friends and family at the Commencement Reception each year.
“I got to see so much emotion at the receptions for each college,” said Barker. “Everyone wants a picture with Hebrew and I saw up close how each graduate was so proud of the moment. Proud of what they had accomplished and expectant for the road ahead.”
What is ahead for Samuel Barker? First, he knows that Hebrew is in good hands under the advisement of the Office of Student Activities. Second, Barker is pursuing a career in the computer science and tech industry and is open to wherever the field may take him. Through his rigorous coursework in the ABET accredited Computer Science Program at Athens State he has been equipped with a depth of knowledge and ready to step into a variety of tech-related career opportunities.
“We look forward to continuing our connection with Samuel as an alum and celebrating his future success,” Dr. Welhburg said. Barker explained that Athens State will always hold a special place in his heart and that he would like to return for a Masters in Computer Science one day. Barker confidently stated that, “Athens State will always be there.” He is right. Athens State will always provide a support system, connection point, and further education opportunities for our graduates and we are so glad that Barker is along for the journey with us.