Den of Secrets: Families ‘Shocked’ at Klondike Reveals

Everyone keeps secrets from their family — even Klondike. 

International Polar Bear Day brings the Ohio Northern community together in celebration of Klondike, the university’s beloved polar bear mascot. The holiday is known for its customary Klondike Reveals in McIntosh Center, where the senior Klondike performers announce their identities to the student body.

The tradition of keeping Klondike’s identity secret aims to focus attention on the character rather than the person inside the suit. Students refrain from telling even their closest family members to preserve the mascot’s mystery.

This year’s reveals had friends, siblings and even parents who did not know someone close to them was a Klondike. The shocking revelations made an ordinary day more meaningful for all involved.

Emotions ran high during Alexis Kramb’s reveal where her parents, Ryan Kramb and Joanna Campbell, were in attendance. The pair watched Alexis dance onstage in full costume and take off the Klondike head as friends and peers surrounded her in support. 

Ryan knew nothing of his daughter’s role as Klondike until the morning of International Polar Bear Day. He received a phone call at 6 a.m. with the unexpected news and drove to the university for the reveal not long after. He always thought Alexis was perfect for the role of Klondike, so her announcement seemed fitting: “…I was shocked because I didn’t know, but I wasn’t surprised.”

“It was quite shocking,” said Ryan. “I think I wasn’t surprised after I knew because, like, I told Joanna and someone else that I was surprised for all these years that she wasn’t interested in doing it.”

Joanna was one of the few people who knew Alexis’ secret, and she has carried it with her since Alexis first auditioned. Witnessing the support from the student body after keeping her daughter’s secret so long was incredibly touching. She reflected, “It was so awesome to see all of those people that were able to be here in the midday to support her, to see her revealed…It was really emotional.”

Alexis and her father came to a tearful embrace at the end of the catwalk after her reveal. The crowd of friends surrounding the stage gave her family space to celebrate the memorable moment in her college journey.

Faith Hampton’s reveal as Klondike was a surprise four years in the making. 

What was supposed to be a calm evening with family transformed into a joyous celebration for the Hampton family. Faith’s mom, dad and brother traveled to Ohio Northern at her request, anticipating dinner and quality time on campus before graduation in May. They were not expecting flashing lights, booming music and crowds of students when they arrived at Mactivities. 

Faith’s role as Klondike was a well-kept secret even her parents did not know about. Years of claiming she was “too short” for the Klondike suit was the perfect cover story. Meanwhile, Faith and her father were actively investigating who Klondike could potentially be.  

“For probably two years I’ve had suspicions — not of Faith, but of other students,” said her father, Mike Hampton. “Unofficially, we’ve had ‘Operation: Polar Plunge’… to track appearances of Klondike with the people that we suspected…but I never suspected her at all until literally two minutes before we walked in here.”

It seemed natural for Faith to invite her father on campus during mascot reveals, for he would want to know how their predictions turned out. Little did Mike realize one Klondike was hidden underneath his nose. Everything clicked into place when Klondike began dancing the Griddy onstage during Faith’s reveal: “I know that’s exactly how she does the Griddy.”

Faith finished dancing and made her way to the main stage. Her lengthy list of extracurriculars and final message as Klondike were read aloud. The Hamptons watched their daughter in awe just behind the student crowd.

“For four years, I had no suspicions,” Mike said. 

Faith’s brother, Will Hampton, added, “No clue at all.”

The immediate moments following Faith’s reveal were filled with celebration. Friends, family and staff came together for photos and other festivities. Faith’s mother eagerly captured the special moments on her phone as Mike and Will observed the crowd’s support of Faith on the side.

“I’m just so proud of what Faith has done at the campus and what the campus and the student body has meant to her.” – Mike Hampton

Klondike Reveal ceremonies are memorable experiences for friends and family who have seen the seniors grow throughout college. However, little compares to the joy of sharing a special part of yourself to those who matter the most. 

Maria Lyons performed as Klondike for one year and attended several university events in costume, including homecoming. The support from friends and family during her reveal made keeping the secret worthwhile. 

“It was very hard keeping a secret from everybody …” said Maria. “But honestly, it was such a big joy to reveal to everybody about this awesome opportunity I got to have. Seeing everybody there, all in one place, it’s just such a blessing. It’s so beautiful to see.”

Klondike is more than a mascot to Ohio Northern; the fluffy polar bear is an embodiment of the campus community and the university’s values. Those who wear the suit represent what it means to be a Polar Bear, and the legacy of their service will carry on for years to come.