The Faces Behind Buzzy: Two Students Graduate After Years Playing Shenandoah’s Hornet Mascot

Upon graduation, many students leave Shenandoah University having developed a fondness for Buzzy, the university’s beloved Hornet mascot who’s frequently spotted at SU events around campus and in the Winchester community. For two Shenandoah graduates, Buzzy holds a truly special place within their Shenandoah experience.

Nathan Lee ’26 and Randall Watson ’26 lived double lives as a “friend of Buzzy” – the individuals responsible for bringing SU’s mascot to life. Lee and Watson will each walk across the stage at University Commencement in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center on Saturday, May 9, marking the conclusion of their undergraduate studies at Shenandoah University and their time as the university’s loveable red-and-blue mascot.

Lee (Bachelor of Science in exercise science) has played Buzzy all four years as a Shenandoah University undergraduate student. Watson (B.S. in cybersecurity) transferred to Shenandoah in 2024 and donned the Buzzy suit for two years.

“It gave me a truly unique perspective and experience at SU,” said Watson, who was Shenandoah’s mascot during football games. “It was an amazing experience, and I was really honored to be the face of SU through Buzzy, and to have the opportunity to interact with such a great team.”

Shenandoah’s annual homecoming football game, which draws extra fans to Shentel Stadium and features an enhanced game-day experience with a special pregame tailgate, ranks among Watson’s fondest memories of playing Buzzy.

Watson said he always tried to portray Buzzy as the “goofy younger brother” – someone who likes to joke around and tease the people around them.

“I just go out with the mindset of always being positive, never taking anything seriously in the sense that there’s no ‘bad’ day, only a bad perspective,” Watson said. “I believe that joyous nature is what makes Buzzy such a lovable figure.”