The uproar over a change in the appearance of Northern Kentucky University’s mascot has resulted in a public vote – with three choices.
In 2005, before NKU began its transition to NCAA Division I athletics, the highest level of collegiate competition in the U.S., the school updated its mascot from the dragon known as “Hey U”, to a fierce Viking more representative of the Norse name. Over the summer, NKU announced that the now-familiar Victor E. Viking had undergone a facelift, and the university presented a softer Victor that would be used at games and events.
Crowd reaction was decidedly mixed – with some of the opposition to the change reaching the same ferocity that Victor himself had once exuded.
NKU, listening to fans and students, promised to go back to the drawing board.
On Monday, the university announced the opportunity to select what the mascot will look like after nearly 900 people provided feedback via a survey.
Alumni, fans, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to vote on Victor E. Viking.
Here are the choices:
The “new” Victor E. Viking – This is the most recent suit. There will be no additional cost to continue using this version.
The “original” Victor E. Viking – This will be a new costume of the original Victor suit, which has fallen into disrepair. However, NKU’s updated mark replaces the previous logos on this design. The cost of this suit will be approximately $9,045.
The “original” Victor E. Viking Head with “New” Victor E. Viking’s Body –This option combines two elements of feedback that were consistent among the responses; the original Victor’s face looks more fierce and indicative of the fighting spirit of NKU, and the need for a measure of fiscal responsibility. Updating the head, but using the new body will cost approximately $3,900.
To see the renderings and for your chance to vote on the new Victor, click here. You have until Friday, November 18 at 5 p.m. (ET) to cast your vote.
-Staff report
Images provided