Life at the Lake: Lake Campus celebrates one year of Lowdy 

Lowdy Laker, the Lake Campus mascot, is based on the legend of the Hoedag of Grand Lake, which has lurked in Grand Lake St. Marys for more than a century.

By Sarah Cavender ’20

It’s been over a year since the arrival of Lowdy Laker, the Lake Campus mascot.

The campus community continues to embrace the figure, rooted in a long-standing myth.

“Lowdy was introduced to the Laker community on March 14, 2024,” said Jill Puthoff, the campus’s director of marketing and communications. “Lowdy has helped bring joy, fun, and laughter to the Lake Campus community by appearing in the hallways, athletic competitions, and events on campus.”

Lowdy is based on the legend of the Hoedag of Grand Lake. For more than a century, that mythical creature has lurked in Grand Lake St. Marys.

After finding the courage to rise out of the dark waters, Lowdy is thrilled to become an integral part of our Laker community and inspire students to excel in the classroom and on the field.

The name “Lowdy Laker” is meant  to be a play on Dayton’s Rowdy Raider. This name helps bridge Lowdy and Rowdy, and by extension the two campuses they represent, together as a family.

The name and look were announced during an event at the Lake Campus in March 2024.

Puthoff said Lowdy keeps up with the latest trends, including the Renegade and Savage Love (TikTok dances), and enjoys smashing home runs as a spare-time activity. Favorite colors? Green and gold, naturally.

New basketball program part of expanded sports offerings

Wright State University’s Lake Campus is adding to its athletic roster with the launch of a men’s basketball team, marking a significant milestone for the campus as it continues to expand its sports programs.

The basketball program, which will begin play in the fall of 2025, joins the newly revived women’s volleyball team and the cross country teams, rounding out the campus’s growing sports offerings.

Previously, the Lake Campus only had a baseball program after the pandemic led to the suspension of several sports.

The return of these programs is not just a return to tradition, but also a recognition of the growing interest in athletics at the Lake Campus. Ben Slaton, who brings a wealth of experience from coaching at high-level camps such as Hoop Group and All-Academic Basketball, is spearheading the efforts.

Over the spring, the recruitment process gained significant momentum. “We’ve gotten four guys to commit here in probably the last 10 days,” Slaton said.

The Lake Campus is the only regional campus in Ohio that offers housing.

Zen Den and workstations available for students in upgraded Student Success Center

The Student Success Center at Lake Campus has undergone a significant transformation, moving to a larger space and offering a variety of services aimed at enhancing the student experience.

One of the standout features of the newly upgraded space is the introduction of the Zen Den—a designated relaxation area designed to provide students with a peaceful, quiet retreat.

According to Jamon Flowers, director of the Technology Student Success Center at Lake Campus Library, the Zen Den has quickly become a popular addition.

“There are computer stations, cubicles for groups or individuals, and our newest addition is our Zen Den,” Flowers said.

Since its launch, the Zen Den has received glowing feedback from students and faculty. With a goal of supporting students’ mental health and overall well-being, this quiet space provides a chance for individuals to recharge, making it a valuable resource on campus.

The center, now located in 230 Dwyer Hall, also boasts new amenities designed to support academic success. Among these are walls of whiteboards ideal for collaborative brainstorming, a spacious lounge with new couches, and access to tutoring services for students who would like academic assistance.

“This is for students to come in and to sit down to relax or come to a space where they know if they need help, somebody [will be] there to help them [with tutoring],” Flowers added. “Students are more prone to come in now. The previous space wasn’t big enough for students to spread out. In our new space, students can do that, and it also has lots of windows. It’s brighter.”

This article was originally published in the 2025 issue of the Wright State Magazine. Read more stories at wright.edu/magazine.