As mascots go, the University of Minnesota’s Goldy Gopher is silent, smiling and huggable. The costumed figure that runs around high-fiving fans at games has been a part of the University sports culture for decades.
The Associated Press reports the U. will present a less cuddly version of the beloved mascot when it unveils a 6-foot-tall statue made of bronze and maroon granite on Monday as part of homecoming week festivities. The statue will be presented in a ceremony outside Coffman Memorial Union and will feature comments by University President Eric Kaler.
The new statue was designed and sculpted by artist Nicholas Legeros, a University of Minnesota alumnus with a master’s degree in Fine Arts.
Replicas of the statue will be available for sale at the university bookstores.
The Minnesota Daily reported that the $95,000 project was funded through student and alumni donations.
