GRAND FORKS – The University of North Dakota has received 16 applications from parties interested in designing a logo for the Fighting Hawks nickname.
On Dec. 12, UND issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a firm or designer to create the logo using public input along with developing a graphic identity. The application deadline was extended by one day to 2 p.m. Wednesday to accommodate at least one applicant whose application was delayed by weather, UND spokesman Peter Johnson said.
A committee will meet at 11 a.m. Friday to discuss the responses, which are exempt from North Dakota's open records law until UND awards a contract.
Some upcoming meetings will be held as executive sessions and, therefore, won't be open to the public.
Johnson said he didn't think the committee would reach a decision at the first meeting.
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The school retired its controversial Fighting Sioux nickname in 2012 after the NCAA threatened sanctions. It had played as UND and North Dakota until a nickname was chosen in November.
UND's Fighting Hawks nickname was selected after more than a year of committee meetings, community forums, public input and votes, and at that time, university administrators said they hoped to have a logo designed by this summer for implementation in the fall as students begin classes at UND.
Johnson could not provide a list of committee members by press time, but a December news release states it is made up of representatives from UND Athletics, the University and Public Affairs Department, the UND Alumni Association and Foundation and students.
The group will forward a recommendation to UND interim President Ed Schafer, who will make the final decision around Feb. 8, in accordance with the RFP.
The RFP states there will be on-site presentations with finalists for the job in early February.
