MERCED - The University of California,
Merced, is sporting a new look. Well, at least its athletics teams
are. Campus officials today (Oct. 14) unveiled a brand-new
athletics logo that marks a definite move toward competition-minded
branding. Photos of the unveiling can be found on the
campus Facebook page.
The UC Merced Golden Bobcat’s makeover includes a fiercer look
and piercing blue eyes - showcasing the university’s trademark
colors of blue and gold. Though the university will have a handful
of variations on the logo for multiple uses, the primary mark,
which features the bobcat leaping over a shield with the words “UC
Merced Bobcats Athletics” emblazoned in front, will be the most
commonly used version.
“In light of our initiative to create a divisional
intercollegiate athletics program, we wanted a sportier image,”
said David Dunham, director of
recreation and
athleticsfor UC Merced. “Our new Golden Bobcat is definitely
leaner and meaner than his predecessor.”
The new logo design was created by Phoenix Design Works of New
York City with direction from a committee of university officials
and students.
“Creating athletics logos is what Phoenix does best,” Dunham
said. “They have exceeded our expectations and provided us with a
logo that is guaranteed to stand the test of time.”
That “test of time” is scheduled to begin almost immediately
with volleyball players being among the first to don uniforms with
the new Golden Bobcat logo. Other student-athletes have received
T-shirts with the university’s new logo to help them show their
school spirit.
“To me, the new logo represents what the founding generation of
UC Merced has forged here,” said Francesca Devlin, a university
senior who sat on the logo selection committee. “Our students are
competitive in academics and daily life - just like our Golden Bobcat.”
Beginning today, Oct. 14, branded merchandise featuring the new
logo is on sale at the
campus
bookstore.
“Right now, we’re just focused on T-shirts, sweatshirts and
hats, but more items - including a plush bobcat - are on their
way,” said Kevin Storms, bookstore manager.
Meanwhile, the
Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Intercollegiate
Athletics, which was convened in July, is working with
consultants to create a strategic athletics plan. The plan is
expected to be completed by January 2009.
The commission, which includes Los Angeles Galaxy coach Cobi
Jones, and other UC Merced representatives and community
supporters, is charged with offering guidance to the consulting
team as it drafts its proposal for UC Merced’s future athletics program.
The consultants, Cedric Dempsey and Ted Leland, both have a long
history in collegiate athletics. Dempsey served as president of the
National Collegiate Athletic Association from 1994 to 2003, and
Leland was athletic director of Stanford University from 1991 to
2005. Both Dempsey and Leland will be at this afternoon’s
town hall meeting,
which will give the campus community and general public an
opportunity to hear more about the process of creating a strategic
athletics plan. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. in the California Room.
Branded merchandise can be purchased through the university
bookstore online at
bookstore.ucmerced.edu.
CONTACT:
Tonya Luiz
UC Merced Office of Communications
