Kim “The Road Hog” Graham, Allan Hancock College’s director of public safety, planted a big wet one on Duke the Pig April 28 after winning the college’s first-ever “Kiss a Pig” fundraiser. Nancy “Babe” Meddings, the interim dean of learning resources, took second, and college president José M. “Napoleon” Ortiz came in third.
Overall, the 11 “Kiss a Pig” contestants raised $1,610 for the college’s general scholarship fund. Graham brought in the largest sum—about $400—making her the lucky pig kisser. Each dollar was worth one vote.
Graham got into the pig-kissing mood by donning a pig hat, a pink corkscrew tail, and pig-shaped earrings.
“My department is going to love this,” Graham said after pecking the plump porker on the nose.
The college’s Friends of the Library organization sponsored the fundraiser. Faculty librarian Leslie Mosson said the money will help students struggling in today’s economy pay for their education.
Before getting kissed, Duke, the guitar playing pig from the nonprofit sanctuary Lil’ Orphan Hammies in Solvang, wowed the crowd with a tune on his guitar. Musical group “The Bacon Boys,” with featured singer Holly “In Hog Heaven” Costello, also played a few songs.
Other pig-kissing contestants included trustees Larry “Fine Swine” Lahr, Tim “Razorback” Bennett, and Henry “Wilbur” Grennan; staff members Kate “When Pigs Fly” Adams, Rob “Swine Flu” Lennihan, Louie “Sweating Like a Pig” Quintana, Brain “Hamm” Dill, and Rocky “Cocciuto” Graziano; and Associated Student Body Government president Marcus “Spider-Pig” King.
This article appears in May 5-12, 2010.