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.
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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.
The new "Fighting Sioux" logo, touched up by Native American students who do not wish to be exploited as mascots
"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."
Full article available at The Dakota Student website.
From The Dakota Student Newspaper, December 3rd, 1999:
