I’m so glad you asked! Albus was named by Obies through an open name nomination then voting process (full story here). As you probably gathered, some of us are Harry Potter fanatics, so a name like Albus had to be a part of the mix (and ended up being the favored name — second only to Granola).

- Ma’ayan Plaut ‘10, Social Media Coordinator

We agree completely that students should be more involved with everything we do here (especially regarding things coming out of communications office), but anonymous complaints aren’t a way for us to make progress.

Albus the Squirrel was not a PR or social media ploy, but was born of interest and involvement of students and young alumni with our existing social media presences. By no means is that the only thing we can do with what we have here, but since social media is very much about experimentation, how will we know what works unless we try? I heard a reaction to a plushie squirrel, and I started to work with it. Since you’re reacting this way to what I’m doing, ;et’s work with this. I am actively making myself available for this conversation, because I do actually want to know what you think will work and what you’d be willing to see happen here and would be willing to support our efforts.

Please email me (maayan.plaut at oberlin.edu) so we can begin a productive conversation that can instigate change.

- Ma’ayan Plaut ‘10, Social Media Coordinator

P.S. To all reading this: if we had virtual or in-person social media office hours, would you attend? Let me know. That can happen.