Tom the Cat: The Pride of GFU

Reported By: Benny Schorie

Photos Courtesy: @gfu.26 on Instagram

If you have spent a significant amount of time on George Fox University’s (GFU) Newberg campus, you have most likely encountered a charcoal gray cat with yellow eyes. The cat wears a pink collar that identifies her as Tom. 

Tom belongs to a local family but chooses a life of adventure on campus. Tom has become a staple of the GFU landscape and is much beloved by the student body. She frequents Crisman Crossing, and charms her way into residence halls to avoid the rain. Her sweet nature has earned her the affections of students who do not shy away from caring for her.

Tom’s good standing with GFU, however, is a recent development. Despite students’ constant love for the pet, Campus Public Safety (CPS) has discouraged students from allowing Tom into dorms or taking care of her in compliance with GFU’s pet policy. Coincidentally, student obsession with Tom grew with the creation of an Instagram for her (@tom.gfu), which has been inactive since March, and stickers and pins with her likeness. Perhaps in response to this student opinion, GFU began to lean into Tom’s likability by posting about her on the official GFU Instagram story and putting her on a Welcome Weekend tote bag.

No matter the semester, GFU students have adored Tom and relished her presence on campus. College can be a dreary experience and moving away from home and its comforts makes the adjustment all the more difficult. Having a home and family includes pets for most people, and that loss can create a void. Tom fills that void and makes GFU our home without even realizing it.