Proctor Panther Statue Presumed Stolen

Author: Becky Ruby Staff Writer

The large panther statue, a long-time fixture of Proctor Hall that sat on top of the bagel and toaster station in the food service area, was stolen Thursday night.

According to Kit Quesnel, assistant manager of dining services, a person or group of people forcefully broke into Redfield Proctor, and after breaking into its kitchen, took the elevator down to the main dining area.

The panther was reported missing early Friday morning.

"It would be hard to steal," said Quesnel, saying that the weight of the statue was the main reason it is suspected that more than one person broke into the building.

Quesnel said that the vandals exited though Redfield Proctor, as they had entered.

Since the dining hall closes at 8:30 p.m., Quesnel estimated that the vandalism happened some time after 9 p.m.

The Dining Services staff and Proctor workers were upset by the disappearance of the mascot, said Quesnel. "It greets the customers as they come in," she said, "And now it's gone."

Associate Director of Dining Services Matthew Biette contacted Student Government Association (SGA) President Brian Elworthy '02.5 this week, asking him to encourage students to come forward with any leads.

Quesnel said that she hoped Elworthy's publicizing the missing panther statue will encourage the culprits to return it.

"More than anything, we just want it back," Quesnel said. "It's just breaking the staff's hearts to have it missing."

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of the panther statue is encouraged to contact the Department of Public Safety at extension 5911.