University unveils newset logo
Some students feel left out of the Administration's decision
By Josh Roiland
Dakota Student Staff Writer

Yesterday the University of North Dakota unveiled a new logo to go along with the already existing geometric symbol that adorns the school's athletic uniforms. Bennett Brien, a native Chippewa artist who was contracted by Earl Strinden, executive vice president of the alumni association, to do the painting, composed the new multicolored design.

Sunday night President Charles Kupchella addressed the Student Senate about the new logo. He said it would not replace the old geometric symbol, but would rather serve as an additional tool for the Athletic Department.

Athletics Director Roger Thomas said, Sunday night, that he foresaw the logo being phased into use on athletic jerseys as they cycle through their regular progression of use.

"We'll use it in addition to what we already have (the geometric head and the interlocking -- and D)," Thomas said. "But there are no plans to go out and buy all new jerseys."

Because the change will come as part of a normal rotation of new jerseys, the implementation of the logo will not cost the University any money.

Thomas said that as teams submit their proposals for new uniforms they will have the opportunity to use the new logo. This could happen, he said, conceivably as early as next year.

Reason for new

In 1993, then University President Kendall Baker switched the school's logo from a traditional Blackhawk insignia to the now-used geometric design. This move did not sit well with many people, from students to alumni. One of the most prominent, and vocal, opponents was former Sioux goalie and multimillion dollar benefactor Ralph Engelstad.

As Kupchella took office last July, Engelstad, who donated $100 million to the University last winter, once again pushed for a return to the Blackhawk logo. Kupchella, though, said no dice. He said the former logo was a 'goofy cartoon' and that the logo unveiled yesterday showed a more noble image of the American Indian.

The reason behind the change came not only from Engelstad's displeasure, but from the dissatisfaction of a number of people. Kupchella also said that the polychromatic color scheme of the geometric symbol did not lend itself well to marketing and use of the logo.

So as he was preparing to take office nearly five months ago, Kupchella decided there was room for a new, more colorful, logo in the University's future.

"My idea was to get another one, which had the spirit to wrap our sports teams around," he said. That's where Brien came in. The artist, who had done previous work for Strinden and the Alumni Association, came up with the profile of a Native American's head, which Kupchella called, "a very classic representation of the American Indian."

Along with the artist's rendition of the new logo, Brien also included some text to explain the reasons and symbolism behind the color patterns he used in the logo. As this issue went to print Sunday night, the Dakota Student had not yet seen the logo.

Reaction

After Brien submitted his painting Kupchella showed the work to a number of people including faculty, alumni, members of the State Board of Higher Education including Chancellor Larry Isaak. Student Body President Chris Semrau and Vice President Keith Gendreau had also seen the new design. Finally, Kupchella said Native American leaders -- none of whom were students -- had viewed the design.

All told, more than 30 people saw the painting before its official unveiling yesterday and Kupchella said the impression was overwhelmingly positive.

"It was a unanimous, 'We like it,' no matter who we showed it to," he said. That even included Ralph Engelstad.

Although Kupchella had not talked to Engelstad, himself, he said that he had heard that Engelstad had seen the picture and had liked it.

No matter what people thought of the logo, however, some would have liked more input on the decision. Law School Senator Joe Wetch said, Sunday, that he wished more student feedback were part of the decision making process.

"I'd like to see student input or debate," he said. "I know it's for the Athletic Department, but we wear it on our clothes too."

Kupchella did say that he would have liked to done some more research and marketing but because the story reached the press, the timetable for unveiling it was moved up.

"We would have liked to have shown it to more students," he said. "But I guess there are a lot of ways we could have gone about this."