There’s something irresistible about our fair university’s unofficial mascot, the UMBC squirrel. Maybe it’s because we appreciate an animal with smarts enough to make a feast of our leftovers. Or perhaps it’s because it’s impossible not to wonder what the little jokers are thinking as they scamper by. Which is why a springtime social media caption contest tempted so many Retrieverland imaginations. Congratulations to winner Jill Marie Timmons ’94, English, for her classic take on the student experience. See more squirrels and such on Instagram at @UMBCLife. You’d be nuts to miss out.

From UMBC Magazine Summer 2009, Early Risers, featuring Crew Club practice, ROTC morning routine, True Grits dining hall, and other UMBC voices — including one hungry squirrel.

Video by Jim Lord.