Wynnie (The First Dog)
Wynnie, the "First Dog" of Kutztown University!
Meet the First Dog and prize pup of President Hawkinson and wife, Ann Marie. The adorable black and white Havanese can be seen peering out from her presidential perch as the campus community bustles by each day.
Several years ago, Dr. Hawkinson created "Walks with Wynnie" to bring students, faculty and townspeople together. Now a regularly scheduled event throughout the semester, it's a great time to chat with the president, get to know the community and stretch your legs with KU's favorite canine!
Walks with Wynnie are held throughout the academic year, weather permitting.
Wynnie and the Hawkinsons
Wynnie walks with the Hawkinsons and others who joined them for a recent Walk with Wynnie.
Wynnie
With Avalanche
Wynnie
Wynnie, the Hawkinson's family dog, is the "First Dog" of Kutztown University
Wynnie
in one of her favorite spots, watching the students walk by the President's House front door.
Wynnie
at the President's House front door.
Walk with Wynnie
Walk with Wynnie is a popular event on campus.
Wynnie
KU's First Dog
Wynnie
KU's First Dog
Wynnie and President Hawkinson
During a Walk with Wynnie
Wynnie
and another dog get ready for a walk.
Wynnie
with the Hawkinsons and members of the KU football team.
Wynnie
joined by Avalanche the Golden Bear and Ann Marie Hawyes-Hawkinson
Walk with Wynnie
President Hawkinson, Wynnie and friends enjoy a "Walk with Wynnie"
Wynnie
close up
Walk with Wynnie
President Hawkinson, Wynnie and friends enjoy a "Walk with Wynnie"
Wynnie
President Hawkinson, Ann Marie and Wynnie during Kutztown's 200th birthday parade
Wynnie
with her christmas presents.
Wynnie
inspects a doggie treat.
Wynnie
and President Hawkinson
Joining the Hawkinson family:
President Hawkinson and Ann Marie met later in life (he was 50 and she was 40), but they hoped they would be able to have a child. If they had a daughter, they planned to name her Wynne, after a close personal friend. When it became clear that a child was not in their future, President Hawkinson and Ann Marie decided to name their new puppy Wynnie.
Havanese were bred to be circus performers in Spain and are noted for their intelligence, friendliness, and cuteness, as well as their ability to bond with both parents and stand on two legs. They are happy dogs and bring joy to those with whom they come in contact.
Although the Havanese breed is now associated with Cuba, President Hawkinson and Ann Marie like to say that Wynnie is Welsh because their friend Wynne is of Welsh heritage. Please don't ever make the mistake of spelling Wynnie's name with an "i" instead of a "y" because she wasn't named after the English bear.
More Fun Facts about our favorite KU canine:
Midwestern Roots: Wynnie was born in Illinois, where President Hawkinson and Ann Marie adopted the pup from a breeder in 2012.
Special Day: Wynnie's birthday is August 31 (feel free to send her birthday wishes!)
Hostess Extraordinaire: Dr. Hawkinson likes to say that Wynnie is a "working dog." After all, she does help host more than 100 events at the president's residence each year.
Favorite Visitor: Matt Santos. Our vice president of University Relations and Athletics ALWAYS remembers to bring a dog treat when visiting (which he knows is against the rules!).
Favorite Treat: Wynnie's gone organic, and enjoys an all-natural Greenie dental treat first thing every morning. By the way, President Hawkinson and Ann Marie do not feed Wynnie "people food."
Her Abode: Wynnie has her own house on the main level of the presidential residence.
Super Model: Wynnie is pictured in university marketing videos and other promotional materials. She's even graced a billboard (celebrating President Hawkinson's inauguration) and ridden in the Kutztown Bicentennial parade.