Two Bluffton University students have performed the duties of Bluffton mascot J. Denny Beaver this academic year. But the identity of only one was revealed during a “beheading” ceremony at halftime of Bluffton’s men’s basketball game on Feb. 15.

Sarah Dailey, a senior from Zanesville, was introduced as one J. Denny during the ceremony, which traditionally marks the only time that college mascots remove their costume heads in public.

The other J. Denny was not “beheaded,” however, because that student will fill the beaver costume again next year, thus becoming the first two-year performer as the mascot.

Her time as J. Denny aside, Dailey, a middle childhood education major, is involved in several campus organizations. She is currently a Marbeck Center and Sommer Center assistant, an Office of Student Involvement intern and a member of the Riley Creek Festival and Cabaret for a Cause planning committees. She has also been a Kit Guide (orientation leader) and active with the Marbeck Center Board and in residence life.

Phill Talavinia, Bluffton’s athletics director, presented a Varsity B jacket and a plaque to Dailey, who, as a volunteer, is not paid for the many hours spent as the mascot. She and the unidentified J. Denny will continue their role through the end of the academic year.

J. Denny Beaver became Bluffton’s mascot in August 2010. He is named in honor of Dr. J. Denny Weaver, professor emeritus of religion and longtime faculty athletics representative at Bluffton.

The Feb. 15 ceremony also kicked off the application process for other current Bluffton students to audition for the mascot role in 2014-15.