Triumph came to Eastern after graduating from Hoopeston High School in 1982. The former Corn Jerker spent his first year in Room 666 in Carman Hall, was placed on academic probation after his first semester, and then moved on to University Court’s Giffen Apartments in his sophomore year.

The incident with Billy Panther was the final straw in a series of criminal acts by the now-loved canine. Triumph was arrested in separate indecents involving a vile act with the metal Panther statue outside of Marty’s bar, vandalizing the cast iron bison outside the Sirloin Stockade, and relieving himself in what is now known as the “Terry Weidner Garden” on the North Quad near Eastern's Student Services Building.

The most notable thing Triumph ever did at Eastern was warm-up crowds for the featured acts at University Board comedy shows.

Triumph attacked Billy at a 1984 home football game against the Georgia Bulldogs when Billy made some sort of remark about dogs in general.

While being dragged away by campus police, Triumph was heard yelling, “Billy Panther: a great cat for me to poop on!”

After being expelled by then-EIU president Stan Rives, Triumph worked his way through the New York club scene. He worked for Insightful Riot and appeared at Caroline’s on Broadway before being spotted by talent hunters for Conan O’Brien’s show.

Since that break, Triumph is a cult hero and even defeated Pets.Com in a lawsuit. City officials in Triumph, Illinois, are considering hosting a festival in the dog’s honor.

In 2000, Triumph held a press conference with Billy Panther (right), officially apologizing for the mid-80s attack. Now THAT’S a good alum.

Sources for information and some photos: Triumph the Comic Insult Dog, Poop on This, Triumph, Eastern Illinois University and Late Night With Conan O’Brien.