Dawg Bites Revisited

Where did the idea of Dawg Bites come from?  “Early September, while preparing for the Milgard School of Business Fall Retreat, Dean Altaf Merchant challenged us to come up with marketing ideas that could positively impact enrollment. Our first meeting with an advertising agency considered traditional media campaigns. Too expensive, too much waste. Eventually we decided that an event should be created so we’d have something “Newsy” to promote any way possible, online and in social media.” 

So the Dawg Bites event was proposed at the Fall Retreat?  “Actually, No. We didn’t have a theme at that point. We just knew what we had to accomplish.” 

When did Dawg Bites become a reality?  “Honestly? The day before. Magically the weather turned from early Spring, with chilly overnights and rainy days, to 80 degree Summer-like weather Friday, April 28. Suddenly the mood changed and we finally felt it could be a success. All of the essential campus departments were delivering and our thoughts turned to worrying about having enough of everything. Going back to January though, we knew we wanted to invite marching bands and food trucks, plus their communities of followers. The only Saturday open on the campus calendar, April 29, was confirmed. During a ZOOM session with Conor Leary, Assistant Director of Student Involvement, we felt we had consensus and Dawg Bites was named. Hendrix the 24-foot tall Husky was reserved (weather depending.) Free campus parking was authorized. We had a good chance our mission could be served. Bring both potential students and parents to UWT where they would be introduced to our beautiful campus, then discover academic offerings and learn about scholarships, internships and other programs. Direct engagement with staff from admissions was critical. The idea of using a Passport to incentivize one-on-one contact worked.” 

I noticed everyone had a Passport, how did it work?  “Guests filled out their Passport by collecting dog paw stamps as they visited six specific buildings. Along the way our guests had the opportunity to meet faculty and staff from the many academic units represented, as well as admissions staff. Once a Passport was completed, the holder would head to the prize wheel, hand it in, then Spin-to-Win prizes. We were surprised when every member of extended families would get their Passports completed, then stand in line to spin. From grandparents to toddlers, they took a spin. Even when we ran out of prizes, they still wanted to step-up and spin!”  

What happened with the marching bands? “That was one of our biggest challenges and disappointments. In early January we contacted high school band directors, some were hesitant as their bands hadn’t practiced or performed due to Covid restrictions. Those that did sign-up were very enthusiastic and we thought the work of attracting our target audience was done. By late February, it had almost completely unraveled. We learned an annual state music competition invites band directors and their top performing musicians to the competition always the last weekend in April, leaving those high school bands without a director. Thankfully Lincoln High School, and their 2023 Golden Apple Award winning director Peter Briggs, could bring their band and impressive drumline. Another popular drum team "Seismic Sound" performed too. Turns out drum teams had been able to practice during Covid restrictions. Thankfully the famous Husky Alumni Band came and stayed longer than expected.” 

How did you attract the diverse Dance Teams?  “Again, our goal was to bring future students and their parents to campus. Since bus loads of marching bands would not be coming, our focus turned to getting other organized groups to attend. With the help of non-profits and other community outreach, dance teams of all ages were easily invited. We imagined even the youngest will fondly remember the day they performed at Dawg Bites. If they were lucky, they might have even had their picture taken posing with Dubs! However, it was a last minute crunch and some confusion occurred. Happily, the teams were 100% committed to performing and we survived the scheduling snaffus. All with enormous help from the student workers who stepped-up to make it work.”  

Looking forward, what changes or recommendations might you make for the next Dawg Bites?  “Glad you asked. There could be improvements with more coordination. Now people know the potential and can build on the success. Alumni could be engaged. Many, if not all of the attractions, could be sponsored by South Sound and regional businesses. At the business school, we know UWT is a magnet for employers. With their participation and co-branded marketing, the event could grow exponentially. If the date could be changed to not conflict with the annual WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest, many more bands could participate and be sponsored for transportation and other expenses.”

By the way Dubs! wants to come back!  Watch the one minute video now >>