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| Creative Alum Enjoys Giving |
Why does Kettering have a Bulldog as mascot?
 Ted Goodridge '51
"In my sophomore year I was Editor of the Technician, and in my junior year, Publications Chairman Bob Tuttle, my Faculty Advisor, agreed to get the judges when I proposed having a contest to select a college mascot".
"It was well publicized, but I was concerned that not many would enter. So I went to the library and found a picture of a bulldog, used this as a guide, and proceeded to put a sweater on my version, with "GMI", a spiked collar, and foot booties. I entered my own contest and won! I received a windbreaker jacket with the bulldog emblem on it. Somehow in many moves, the jacket disappeared, otherwise I would give it to Kettering".
Thanks to Ted, and to the Mack Truck Company who later donated the bulldog statue, "General Determination" is a landmark on the Kettering campus. This proud and enduring dog gets a new look several times each week, thanks to our students and fraternity competitions. Once he appeared painted black with pink polka dots with a hot pink feather boa around his neck. Another time he sported a meticulously painted colorful plaid. It's always worth a glance to see his latest fashion look. Often there's an announcement of a party with just the basics: what, when, where.
  
GMI Bulldog
In addition to creating a mascot for GMI, Ted wrote the first unofficial school song:
Down beside Flint River's waters,
Factory whistles toot (toot, toot)...
"Kettering is a whole different ballgame from the 1947 days, and I felt the song needed updating. So, in 2009, I wrote the new version of it for the Tucson Alumni luncheon knowing that I was the host and could sing it to the group. Everyone there seemed to like it, so I am pleased".
GMI- Kettering College Song, 2009 version
Down beside Flint River's waters,
no factory whistles toot (toot, toot)
Stand the vibrant Kettering Buildings,
A university, not an institute (toot, toot).
Yes we love her, she's still our mother,
We praise her to the sky.
Welcome to Ford and other partners,
But it's still our GMI!
Ted continues to help the school in many ways. He serves as Class Secretary for the Class of 1951, writing witty and informative paragraphs to keep classmates connected with each other and with the school. He helps connect local employers in the Tucson area with Kettering for possible co-op employment opportunities. He hosts alumni gatherings in the area.
Wanting to support Kettering in yet another meaningful way, Ted recently became a member of the Heritage Circle with an estate gift. "This is a pretty good deal", he says of the gift annuity he took out with Kettering. "I get a big tax deduction and payments for life, and Kettering gets the remainder. It's a win-win for the school and for me."
A gift annuity allows you to help yourself at the same time you help ensure the future for students at Kettering. See www.kettgift.org or contact me.
Ted, thank you for creating traditions we still cherish 60 years later!
For more information please select one of the following options:
1. If you would like to view a color presentation of a similar plan, please click one of these buttons.
2. You also may have a CD. If you would like to see the rate for your age and your personal tax savings, then click here.
3. If you would like to request a printed illustration of a gift annuity with your payout rate, then click here.
4. You may print a gift annuity tri-fold brochure. Click Here.
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