NEWS
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February 21, 2008
Augustana Unveils New Viking Logo
As Augustana College's most familiar image, Ole the
Viking has undergone a facelift.
"The time is right for a change," says Bob Preloger, Augustana Vice President for Marketing and Communications. "Momentum is building as Augustana strives to become one of America's premier church-related colleges. Construction of Kirkeby-Over Stadium begins this spring, and in the fall the college will be competing in the Northern Sun Conference for the first time. Bringing the logo up to date naturally became part of the process of maintaining our momentum."
Augustana's Ole the Viking made its first appearance in 1939. In "Through Trials and Triumphs: A History of Augustana College," author Donald Sneen writes that Ole was the product of the creative pen, hammer, saw, and brush of student Austin Kilian and became the golden thread in Augie literature and activities.
A 6-foot, 200-pound clay warrior, Ole was kidnapped and held prisoner at various times by Viking adversaries but was always rescued by "stouthearted students" and restored to his true home on the Augie campus.
Later, as Ole continued to be a target of Augie's adversaries, it was decided a permanent statue would be commissioned and placed on campus. Designed by Peter Eide, a concrete statue of Ole in the Viking Ship was built and dedicated in 1967 during Viking Days. The structure remains standing today.
The most recent image of Ole, dating back to the early 1970s, has not been used by the Athletic Department for more than a decade. Preloger said this was another factor prompting discussion of an image makeover.
Talk of giving the College's logo a new look began two years ago. Meetings of alumni, students and staff were held to determine if there was sufficient interest to proceed with the makeover. Encouraged by positive feedback, a 17-member committee representing all facets of the Augustana community was formed and began meeting with local advertising agency, Lawrence & Schiller, to create the new logo.
The committee gathered often throughout the 2007 fall semester to discuss designs, but more importantly to determine how the Viking logo should best represent Augustana College.
With its Norwegian heritage, Augustana's choice of the Viking is steeped in tradition. In addition, committee members stressed the importance of incorporating the strength, pride, determination, and honor associated with the legendary Vikings of the sea. Even the rivets on the headgear have special meaning. They reflect Augustana's five core values - Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community, Service.
The refurbished Viking logo will be unveiled at an all-campus celebration beginning at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 21, in the Morrison Commons Ordal Dining Room. Prior to revealing the finished project, sequences of clues to the new look have appeared on billboards around the city for the last three weeks.
"We're really excited," says Preloger. "Our committee is confident the students, staff, faculty, alumni, boosters, and friends will embrace the new look."
***Video footage of the unveiling is now available at www.augie.edu OR on YouTube.***
Contact: Bruce Conley
Director of News Information
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
www.augie.edu