FLORENCE, Ala. — The University of North Alabama will celebrate the lives of two beloved mascots, Leo III and Una, along with their dedicated caregivers, Anne and Dr. Dan Howard, in a ceremony on Monday.
The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat, which has stood empty since Leo III's passing earlier this year.
The ceremony marks a poignant moment in UNA's history, as it commemorates both the lions and the Howards, who arrived together on campus in 2002. The Howards, who passed away in recent years, devoted their lives to caring for the lions that became iconic symbols of the university.
"They were a very special part of the university community for a long time," said Michelle Eubanks, UNA's Media and Public Relations Director.
The absence of live lions on campus has left a noticeable void in university life.
"Once he died, you can feel the mood kind of darken a little bit. Everybody was sad," said UNA student Khenyia Williams, who first encountered Leo III during her campus tour.
As the university honors these legacies, it's also looking toward the future. President Ken Kitts has assembled a committee to evaluate the possibility of bringing new lions to campus.
The initiative would require substantial funding -- between $5 million and $7 million -- which would need to come from sources other than tuition.
"Does the tradition shift or does it not? What's the monetary investment? What's the human investment?" Eubanks asked, noting the complex decisions facing the university.
While the results of a recent community survey about the future of live mascots are pending, many students, including Williams, hope to see the 50-year tradition continue.
"It will liven up the mood that we actually have our mascot back, which would be great," she said.