Purdue Pete model seeks Boiler fans' backing in LEGO competition
October 22, 2012
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Sandy San Miguel's 16-inch LEGO model of Purdue Pete.
(Purdue University photo) |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The presidential election is not the only one in which Purdue fans can vote this fall. And, just as in the general election, voter turnout will be crucial on Wednesday (Oct. 24) as a LEGO model of Purdue Pete, the Boilermakers' sports mascot, seeks support.
The 16-inch model, created by Sandra San Miguel, associate dean for engagement in the College of Veterinary Medicine, will be in a competition sponsored by Lego Cuusoo, the Japanese partner of the Lego Group. If Purdue Pete receives enough votes, it could be produced as a model by LEGO.
On Wednesday (Oct. 24), Purdue Pete's supporters will try to obtain a record 10,000 votes over a 36-hour period. Several factors are evaluated in the competition, but an entry must first receive 10,000 votes. The time it takes an entry to receive the required votes also is considered. The current record is 10,000 votes in 48 hours.
To vote, go to http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/29614
San Miguel said she made another Purdue Pete model, dressed as a veterinarian, to be sold last month during an auction to raise funds for Purdue Veterinary Medicine student scholarships.
"Every year I donate something to the auction. Last year I did another version of Purdue Pete and the year before I made a mosaic out of LEGOs," she said.
San Miguel turned to making LEGO sculptures and art after an injury.
"I used to do woodworking but dislocated my shoulder," she said. "I needed to do something. Nathan Sawaya is a phenomenal artist who works with LEGO bricks and when I saw his stuff, I said 'I want to do that.'"
If Pete is selected, Purdue would be the first university to have an official LEGO set. As the designer, San Miguel would receive 1 percent of all sales, which she will donate to the PVM Bound scholarship fund.
Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu
Source: Sandra San Miguel, president of Brick Wishes LLC, 765-494-8052, amass@purdue.edu
Related website:
More on LEGO Purdue Pete
VIDEO: Purdue Pete LEGO model
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxRlTzSotWE&feature=youtu.be
Embedded code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SxRlTzSotWE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
