Washington University in St. Louis rolls out new look for Bears Athletics

July 24, 2006 -- Washington University in St. Louis Director of Athletics John Schael has unveiled a new symbol and design for all Bears Athletics, as announced today. The new symbol features an updated, more realistic Bear mascot and a sharp new typeface that highlights Washington University's red and green colors.

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"The new Bear symbol has been designed with care and will serve as a lasting symbol for Washington University's Department of Athletics," said Schael. "The symbol will also distinguish Washington University athletics from the other universities and colleges with the Bears nickname."

The symbol was designed by St. Louis-based Jim Ward Design, which has designed symbols for the University of Missouri-Columbia and Maryville University athletic departments. The symbol was developed by an internal team of athletics and public affairs representatives who worked with coaches and staff to create the new look.

This marks the third athletic symbol that has been created since Washington University garnered the Bears mascot in 1926. The scowling bear with the sailor cap served as the athletic symbol for 40 years until the second bear symbol was introduced in 1995.