Even though Cody Meyer has only been Klondike for a little more than a year, the stories he’s collected and the memories he’s made will last a lifetime.

“Being Klondike has meant the world to me,” says the mechanical engineering major.

Cody is one of four seniors who are taking off the mask and publicly revealing who they are, something that is absolutely forbidden for them to do while they are active Klondikes.

He’ll never forget donning the suit for freshman orientation. He couldn’t believe how many of the new students were scared to come take a picture with him. He’ll miss the sense of freedom he felt wearing the suit. He truly became Klondike, the Klondike with ridiculous dance moves and a knack for getting his fellow students to laugh and forget about the stresses of college for a little while.

“More than anything, when I put on the suit, I felt the overwhelming amount of pride,” says Cody. “ONU has been my home for four years, and having the opportunity to be the mascot, the literal face of the University, was an incredible experience. I got to be a part of something that will live on long after I am gone.”

Of course there are some things he won’t miss. Even for a Polar Bear from Boynton Beach, Fla., the fur suit can get pretty hot. But for Cody, dealing with the heat wasn’t the hardest part of the job.

Taking the suit off was.