Hello there, friends!

Big news for all you Terrapin fans out there – Testudo, the iconic diamondback terrapin and UMD’s beloved mascot, is crawling its way to the Universities at Shady Grove!

Today, on October 30th at 1 pm, the USG community is coming together to celebrate the arrival of our shelled friend.

We’re marking this exciting occasion with an unveiling and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share some of the behind-the-scenes details and inspirations that went into making this happen.

First things first, who is Testudo? Well, Testudo is the Mediterranean tortoise, a species found in North Africa, Western Asia, and Europe. Fun fact: it’s actually legal to have one as a pet, and they’re known for being fairly docile.

Just watch out for their nippy side if they feel threatened!

Now, over at UMD’s main campus in College Park, there’s a charming tradition where students rub the Testudo statue’s nose for good luck before exams.

They also leave all sorts of offerings, from coffee to textbooks, bananas, chairs, and even microwaves. Testudo is quite the collector, it seems, and students go all out to ensure their academic success.

Going back to USG – the UMD at USG CPSE program, in collaboration with the UMD at USG Department of Communication and the Undergraduate Communication Association, embarked on a mission to create Testudo from scratch.

Now, speaking from my role as the Vice President of the UCA and as an intern at CPSE, I can tell you it was an exhilarating experience but also a significant responsibility.

At CPSE, it took us weeks to 3D print both the turtle and its base. 3D printing requires patience and a lot of attention, but the results are worth it.

Once the 3D printing was complete, the UCA opened the doors to all USG students for the underpainting of the 3D print.

It was a collaborative effort that involved everyone from all institutions on campus.

I then had the pleasure of collaborating with the talented painter, Jennifer Cueva. Together, we breathed life into Testudo by adding colors, texture, high-end finishes, and a touch of magic.

No other Testudo is like this, I promise you this!

This entire initiative was an absolute delight, especially for someone who holds the USG community close to their heart.

I can’t wait to see students, just like those at the main campus, rubbing Testudo’s nose for good luck. It’s fantastic to bring this cherished tradition to USG.

Whether you need an extra dose of luck for your upcoming exams or just a boost in your everyday life, remember that Testudo is here for you on the fifth floor of Building 3 at USG.

So, come by, say hello, and give Testudo a friendly pat for good fortune. 🐢🍀