FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Beginning this academic year, recruiters with the University of Arkansas’s Office of Admissions will travel the state in style and “Call the Hogs” along the way, thanks to a gift from Jim Jard Volkswagen in Rogers. During the past six months, that gift, a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle valued at $15,500, has been transformed into a rolling Arkansas Razorback, the first of its kind.

 “As the University of Arkansas moves closer to achieving its goal of 22,500 students, this generous gift from Jim Jard Volkswagen will be a useful tool for recruiters within the Office of Admissions as we strive to realize that vision,” said Bob Smith, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “I would like to offer a special thank you to Ed Sweeney with Jim Jard Volkswagen in Rogers, who shared in the vision of the 'Razorbug’ and helped the university make it a reality.”

The metamorphosis from VW Beetle to VW Razorbug began in March, when the black and white car made a cross-country trip to Philip Hinz and Evergreen Creative LLC in Durango, Co. The vehicle was then sculpted by Hinz and his crew into a new incarnation — a tusk-toting, snout-wearing, curled-tailed Arkansas Razorback on wheels.

“To see the early images of the Razorbug taking shape, you couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of seeing a Hog on wheels,” said Dawn Medley, director of admissions. “Once you see the finished project, though, you gain an appreciation for the amount of time and effort that went into this and just how talented Philip and his team are to make this car a reality.

“I also want to thank Ed Sweeney with Jim Jard Volkswagen for their generous gift and Paul Killcrece and the team at New Creature in Rogers for their contribution of labels and signage for the Razorbug. Most importantly, I would like to thank Provost Bob Smith, who believed in the concept of the Razorbug and was so supportive throughout the process. Through the teamwork of so many, we have created a true 'one of kind,’ as this is the only highway-ready, rolling collegiate mascot in America.”

Medley’s inspiration for the Razorbug first took shape through design concepts provided by Eric Pipkin, manager of design services for the Office of University Relations. Once the finished product returned to the Natural State, it traveled to Cassat Auto Upholstery and Mid-South Awards in Fayetteville, where a matching University of Arkansas interior was installed. The car was then shipped to Rogers where New Creature, a local graphic design company, provided exterior decals and signage.

“While there is certainly a comic element to this little car, our recruiters are looking forward to getting it out on the road and traveling throughout Arkansas and neighboring states,” Medley said. “We think this little guy is going to turn a lot of heads and only help promote the message of the University of Arkansas.”

Die-hard Razorback fans who may be clamoring to get their own Razorbug should contact Dawn Medley at (479) 575-3771 or medley@uark.edu.

To visit the Web site dedicated to the Razorbug, and to see when and where it will appear, go to: http://razorbug.uark.edu/.