It's the buzz on the streets! Wright State has launched Rowdy 'Round Town-its largest community art project. A five-month long celebration of art, community, fun, and everyone's favorite WSU mascot, Rowdy 'Round Town will send 26 giant Rowdy sculptures out on the streets of Dayton, and the surrounding community.

Rowdy's public debut will begin on June 14, 2004. Area residents will be able to see these masterpieces throughout the summer months in prominent community locations. The Rowdy 'Round Up will take place at the end of August when all Rowdies will return to WSU to welcome students back to campus.

Rowdy 'Round Town began as an initiative to involve students in Wright State's first-ever comprehensive campaign, and to give them an opportunity to help raise money for programs that directly benefit them. Since the project was first announced in April 2004, interest has remained high among those on campus, as well as friends in the community. In total 26 student organizations on the WSU campus will benefit from the project.

The craze of local artists decorating fiberglass animals and other unusual objects originated in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1998 with Cow Parade. Since then, many notable cities in the United States have launched similar initiatives-cows in Chicago, buffalo in Buffalo, pigs in Cincinnati, fabulous fish in Nashville, and horses in Lexington.