The final member of the Ruud family is short, cuddly, loveable, and very friendly. He makes friends wherever he goes but that may be because everyone finds this 18-month old beagle simply irresistible. In the few short months he’s lived at the Martin House, he has explored almost every nook and cranny on campus.

Settling into his duties as official greeter, BJ Louis couldn’t be happier. Fearing he might find campus a little too empty over the summer, he was delighted to find ample opportunities to meet new people. Parties at the Martin House, Alumni Days, and the Corn Festival were just a few instances where alumni stopped by to say hello. BJ Louis and his parents agree Ship Alums are the best!

What’s it like living in the Martin House?

Quite fun! I have a panoramic view of the world (and the squirrels and rabbits) outside, a fenced-in yard where I chase, sniff, and scramble after anything that moves, and lots of steps that I am compelled to take at top speed.

If you ever hear “BJ  Louis!” echoing across campus, you can be sure I have just attempted to beat my personal best time for getting from sidewalk to door, and quite possibly dislocated my Mom or Dad’s arm in the process.  

What was the biggest surprise moving to Pennsylvania?

I didn’t expect everyone here would be so friendly and so kind to me and my family. Everyone who comes to help with the house always takes time to hug me and play with me. I love them all, and especially look forward to seeing Kay Lindsey, she is very special to me!

What do you like best about living on campus? The least?

Best: The miles of walking space on campus, which from my viewpoint has a forest of trees—with lots of squirrels and rabbits to play chase. I also like being a stone’s throw from town. I like my walks to town, particularly if we stop at Pague & Fague—they always give me treats!! I loved seeing all the alumni at the Corn Festival, thousands of them took time to stop on campus to say hi.

Least: My nose is my guide, and because the campus is open, I need a leash when I walk, or who knows where I would end up…

What’s your favorite pastime?

It’s tough to have just one: I love napping, snuggling, taking long walks—and eating.

What are your favorite treats?

Well, that all depends on who is asking! Since my parents are going to read this, I will say I love to snack on fruit and vegetables, but between us—I just love food in general. Also, I was the lucky recipient of some wonderful goodies in the basket the Financial Services people gave me as a welcome gift—those were sooo good!! Unfortunately, everyone was so kind in giving me treats, the doctor put me on a diet—regular exercise and no snacks in between meals. Darn!

What do you think about the NO Pets rule on campus?

It’s probably a good idea, assuming you mean no pets in the dorms. My friends and I need lots of love and attention, and students just have too much to do on campus to focus on us.

What’s the best advice you gave the president?

I told him that when he makes decisions to remember he has been given a great opportunity, responsibility, and privilege, and to make decisions we can be proud of when we snuggle every night!!!

What’s your favorite word? Least favorite?

Most favorite: Love, with snack as a very close second

Least: “Louis”—the part of my name used when I am in trouble....

What do you miss the most about California?

Before the move I didn’t have time to dig up all those treasures I spent countless hours strategically burying in my old back yard! On the other hand, we have a huge back yard here—and I am working feverishly to bury an entirely new stash!

How did you get your name?

I am named after all the special men in the family. I go by “BJ Louis”, but my given name is William John Louis Michael Martin Ruud I. I am named after my Dad first and foremost, of course, and then my three grandfathers and finally my Uncle Martin.  And, like I mentioned above, if you hear my parents saying “Louis”, with some “tonality”, well, that generally means trouble….big trouble…

What would you like to say to alumni?

Keep in touch! Everyone says Shippensburg University is a family. I have noticed how true that is. Everyone here seems to genuinely care about each other.

I have run into many alumni and friends on my daily walks (figuratively and literally since my nose is always to the ground!) around campus or at the Martin House. I love to hear the alumni stories about past “happenings” at Ship.

To those alumni who keep in touch– thanks I hope to see more of you! For those who may have lost touch, please come visit—I would love to meet you!