Beginning in 1917, a bear belonging to a Camp McArthur soldier was paraded around by Baylor students. The tradition of a live bear watching Baylor football on the sidelines became a beloved aspect of the school’s identity over the next 86 years.

According to Jordy Dickey, director of Student Activities, Lady and her late sister Judge “Joy” Reynolds contributed to the atmosphere of Baylor campus life and the university’s mission. Dickey noted that the bears create academic opportunities for students.