In between student-organization tables on Turlington Plaza, UF senior Manny Rutinel shed his polo shirt for a pink pig onesie.
On Friday morning, Rutinel, a UF microbiology and economics student, waved, shouted and danced the Nae Nae in front of a sign that read "Free Hugs," in honor of Hug a Vegan Day.
The event, hosted by UF’s Student Animal Alliance, promoted animal rights and cruelty-free living, said Christina Bicknell, SAA president. It showed students that vegans are inviting, rather than radical activists, the 21-year-old said.
While Rutinel gave about 50 free hugs, Bicknell, a public relations senior, handed out fliers and stickers supplied by peta2, PETA’s youth branch.
"The idea that our food has a big effect on our environment is what society is paying attention to right now," she said.
Last year, SAA celebrated the day for the first time. They gave students a Chihuahua to hug on the Plaza of the Americas, Bicknell said.
This year, the group wanted to try something new, so they put Rutinel in a pig outfit, she said.
"When you have someone in costume, it’s more inviting," said Bicknell.
Rutinel, who’s been a vegan for two years, said he was excited.
"I managed to be more ecstatic and enthusiastic behind the mask," Rutinel said.
Kennita Whitehead (left), a 19-year-old UF nursing sophomore, hugs Manny Rutinel, a 20-year-old microbiology and economics senior, who dressed in a pig costume for Hug a Vegan Day on Turlington Plaza on Sept. 25, 2015. Student Animal Alliance hosted the event to raise awareness for animal rights.
