SMU PerunaPalooza

April 16, 2024, from 2 PM to 5 PM

Come join one of SMU’s premier springtime events this April 16, 2024, from 2PM to 5PM! Student Foundation has the privilege to plan the incredible springtime festival that celebrates our mascot, Peruna, birthday! Students are able to enjoy games, rides and activities while helping themselves to a variety of carnival-inspired free food. Come down to Dallas Hall for amazing times!

This year, we're proud to partner with the Birthday Party Project (BPP), a philanthropy that raises funds to host birthday parties for homeless youth. Give back and celebrate at Peruna's birthday party! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for fun and philanthropy.

Activities:

  • Flower cart

  • Yard games

  • Pony rides

PerunaPalooza Derby Menu:

  • Poppi

  • Cake bites

  • Churros

  • Snowcones

  • Soft pretzels

  • Popcorn

  • GF cookies

Special Event:

Pie your org president for $5!

Fun Facts About Peruna:

  • Origin of Name: Peruna’s name was inspired by a popular tonic “Peruna Tonic” in the 1920s.

  • Tradition: Peruna has been SMU's official mascot since 1932, and each mascot is a black Shetland pony.

  • Peruna's Handlers: The live Peruna is handled by a select group of students known as the "Peruna Handlers," who are part of SMU's spirit squads. These students undergo special training to manage the mascot during events.

  • Legacy: Each Peruna has a numeral designation, similar to royalty or popes, indicating the succession since the first Peruna.

  • Famous Appearances: Peruna has been a part of many significant university moments and has appeared in numerous bowl games and parades, often stealing the spotlight with its dynamic presence.

  • Unique Living Arrangements: The live Peruna enjoys a custom-built stable and exercise area, which is situated near the SMU campus, allowing for easy participation in school events.

 
 

“PerunaPalooza is coming up on April 16, 2024, from 2PM to 5PM, and it will be a blast! Free food, a roller rink, photo ops, and our beloved school Mascot Peruna in attendance?! What isn’t to love?” - Grant Offner

Links

 

E-mail | sf@smu.edu for any questions or concerns