Public Relations

Dr. Bruce Hollett with the Seilers and Uga VIII

Introducing "Big Bad Bruce!"

October 16, 2010

Athens, Ga. - Known for his love of Georgia's "bulldawgs," his extraordinary veterinary care of creatures both great and small, and not at all for his "bad" temperament, Dr. R. Bruce Hollett (DVM 1972) has been forever cast in a Kodak moment of mascot history: as namesake for Uga VIII, "Big Bad Bruce."

Framed between the hedges, on the field of green, before a packed crowd at Sanford Stadium, Dr. Hollett and his 55-pound pal joined Uga's owner, Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler, and the Seiler family for the pre-game collaring ceremony held on October 16, 2010. Uga has always been a Seiler family pet, and all Seiler children were in attendance that day: Swann Seiler, Charles Seiler, Bess Seiler Thompson and Sara Seiler Story. Charles was handling Uga VIII, just as he has handled every mascot since he turned 15.

"Brruuuuuccee!" roared the crowd, as Uga VIII was officially presented as the University of Georgia's new mascot.

Before the ceremony, Sonny Seiler told the CVM that his family unanimously agreed to name Uga VIII in honor of Dr. Hollett, who is an associate professor in the College's Department of Large Animal Medicine.

"Our relationship with the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine goes back to 1956 when Uga I was treated and followed. He lived to be over 10 years old," recalled Seiler. "In years to follow, every Georgia mascot has been followed by the College's veterinarians. It would be impossible to mention or honor all of the people who have played a part in the care of these dogs. However, Dr. Bruce Hollett is easy to single out since he has taken such an interest in these dogs dating back to Uga V."

It is clear that Dr. Hollett and the Seilers have formed a special bond through the years. For his part, Dr. Hollett, whose family was also present at the collaring ceremony, was pleasantly surprised and honored by the news that all of Bulldog Nation will be chanting "his" name for years to come.

"To be associated with legendary names such as Dan Magill, Loran Smith and the Seilers of Savannah is truly an honor and blessing for this Georgia alumnus," he said. "The Seilers rely on this College's veterinary expertise for their family pets, one of which happens to be 'The Mascot' for the University."

"Over these years, we have joked, we have had many a serious conversation. But never have we lost mutual respect for each other," he added. "I keenly value this family's sense of loyalty, and personal friendship. I know they can call me at any hour, and I know I can do the same."

In retrospect, the Kodak moment seemed to expand until it included every minute of that big day at Sanford Stadium. When it was all over, Big Bad Bruce walked away with a 43-0 win over Vanderbilt! Not bad for his first game!

This page was last updated on December 24, 2010.