Action-Oriented Mascot
 
From the June 2, 1993, issue of "the Chronicle of Higher Education:"
 
(Quoted materials begin)
Stanford, Cal.--Stanford University is looking for some exciting logos that
will help the college sell souvenirs and raise more money.
 
Stanford earns about $350,000 a year from souvenirs bearing it licensed logos,
like the one below depicting a redwood tree.  But revenue has been flat in
recent years, said Maria Gladfelter, manager of the emblematic licensing
program at Stanford.
 
"A lot of colleges have mascots that are action-oriented, such as animals or
warriors," said Ms. Gladfelter.  "Stanford doesn't have a mascot, so we hope to
incorporate an action or animated-type figure into our logos."
 
.....Stanford is conducting a competition among students, faculty members,
employees, and alumni to choose up to five new logos.  Each winner will receive
$500.  The old logos will be used along with the new ones, Ms. Gladfelter said.
 
(End of Quoted Materials)
 
So, it's all about money.  In the age of environmental consciousness, Stanford
decided that a redwood tree is just not sexy enough to sell souvenirs.  Can't
wait to see what kind of animalistic or warrior-like mascots that Stanford will
adopt, and how many people are going to be offended.
 
Tom Y. Tseng
Cornell '87 MEng '94