SMITHFIELD, R.I. — A college campus in Rhode Island is in mourning after its bulldog mascot collapsed and died during a campus festival.

Bryant University President Ron Machtley announced on Thursday that the mascot, named Ironclad Tupper I, died peacefully Wednesday night of an apparent stroke.

A posting by Tupper’s caregivers on his Facebook page says he suddenly collapsed in the middle of the school’s Festival of Lights. It says he died doing what he loved — being adored.

Machtley says Tupper was beloved as Bryant’s first official mascot, and was a “wonderful symbol of grit and determination for our students.”

He says the university plans to begin a search for Tupper’s replacement immediately, and says he hopes that Tupper II will bring the same sense of pride to the community.