The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed The new athletic logo, which was on display in front of the MU last week, has sparked controversy amongst the OSU community. The athletic department was aiming for a unique and more professional design with the new logo.

The new Oregon State University athletic logo was unveiled April 3, and a large number of students were less than enthusiastic about the change.

The change was inspired by university desire to set itself apart from other OSUs in Division-I athletics, Oklahoma State University and Ohio State University. The change was directed at Oklahoma State specifically because they have a similar color scheme, said Brad Townsend, the director of athletic bands.

"First and foremost we want to give our athletes that professional look that they deserve," said Luanne Lawrence, vice president for university advancement. The change began 18 months ago when OSU contacted Michael Morrow's design firm, Morrow Creative Group.

Many coaches, student-athletes and athletic faculty were included in the decision process, Lawrence said.

"There was a need for a uniform way of saying Oregon State University," said Mark Massari, senior associate athletic director.

All the funds for this project came from the licensing of OSU merchandise and a donation credit from the Beaver Athletic Student Fund.

No tuition, state or fee dollars were used to pay for the new logo, Lawrence said.

"I think it's crap," said Laura Thost, a junior in zoology. "All my friends hate it, too."

"Who cares about the other schools - we know who we are," said Emilee Mackey, a sophomore in exercise/sports science. "We're Beavers."

Mackey is one of several students who have expressed dislike for the new logo on the Facebook Web site.

Mackey was upset mainly due to the lack of student involvement in the change. She hopes that the administration will reconsider the decision and take into account student opinions on the issue.

Townsend, however, doesn't see what all the fuss is about. "It's about time we had one marker for Oregon State,"he said. The university marching band received new uniforms at the beginning of the school year, before the logo's unveiling. The new logo will not result in any major changes for the marching band, Townsend said.

"I think it's going to be a really good thing for OSU," Townsend said.

According to the Associated Press, Morrow accepted $50,000 from the CLC and also a $50,000 donation credit from the BASF, which will allow Morrow to upgrade his football season tickets for years to come.

This isn't the first time Morrow has contributed to a trademark. As Nike's global creative director in image design, he spearheaded the global consistency of Nike identity on products, according to Morrow's online biography.

During last week's baseball games, the OSU Bookstore sold out of merchandise bearing the new insignia.

"We're still going to be OSU," Townsend said.

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