The Legend of Tiberius

Meet Tiberius - my absolute favorite tradition at Lake Erie College.

Tiberius was an actual chocolate lab that belonged to Harriot Young, a Dean of Lake Erie College. Tiberius would hang out on campus with the women of the college - he would even attend class! When Tiberius passed away, she had a statue crafted in his honor that ended up on campus around 1910.

The Tiberius that adorns campus now (shown at top) is actually Tiberius IV. In the 1950's, Tiberius I was kidnapped by a fraternity from Case Western Reserve University (and is probably in the bottom of Lake Erie somewhere). Tiberius II was smashed to pieces right in the middle of campus in the mid-80's. Tiberius III (also known as Baby Tiberius) is still on campus next to the gazebo.

Tiberius is the campus protector and a good luck charm. Here's proof: One night in April 1957, the women woke up in their residence hall rooms in Memorial Hall to the sounds of frantic barking outside. When the women left the Hall to investigate, the building burned to the ground. Nobody was hurt, but they also could not find the source of the barking. The students give credit to the spirit of Tiberius, who lead them from harms way.

100 years later, Tiberius still guards the students of Lake Erie College and brings them luck. Students pat Tiberius on the head for luck before exams, presentations, auditions, athletic events (see the football team patting him on the head for luck before their first home game below) and more. When you visit campus, make sure you pat Tiberius on the head for good luck during your college search!!