Found this on the MAC's official site:
Akron to Launch New Logo Monday
AKRON--The University of Akron Department of Athletics will introduce a new set of Athletic Branding Marks on July 1, 2002 on its official web site, GoZips.com. The new look for Zips Athletics has been created by the Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company of Pipersville, PA (
http://www.joebosack.com). Other Bosack Design clients include the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Cornell University, Fila, and AND1. This process began in November, 2001 and was funded in total with private dollars generated through the Zips Athletics External Relations Office.
The PRIMARY MARK--inclusive of the text "The University of Akron", the Hopping Kangaroo logo, and the new color set of metallic gold and Akron Blue-- will be introduced to the public on July 1, 2002, and will include over a dozen secondary applications, peelable marks, plus a pair of sport specific treatments which will be utilized by the 18 teams at UA.
Director of Athletics Mike Thomas states that having professional, polished look is a very important dynamic for the Zips Athletics.
"Our new mark set is both innovative and respectful, which was an important part of this process. The goal was to create a new, unified look for our Department. We are thankful to Joe Bosack and his staff for creating such a striking visual presentation for The University of Akron and it's Athletics Program!"
The rebranding campaign is the first for UA Athletics, and incorporates a sleek, determined Kangaroo into the primary branding mark, along with a custom font style and a revised "ZIPS TM" word mark. The University of Akron has not included the Kangaroo mascot in past logo treatments, opting instead to utilize the "Script ZIPS" and "Moving A" as identification vehicles. The new set of marks is more inclusive of the identity of UA Athletics and provides numerous options for both uniform design and outside merchandising efforts.
"This was an exciting project for us from the onset" said Bosack "having the opportunity to work with one of the most unique nicknames in all of sports was an inspiring prospect"
The popular mascot "ZIPPY TM" has also received an updated look, but only in terms of his appearance in print applications. The former "Cartoon ZIPPY TM" was not a true representation of the beloved character which attends many UA events, both athletically related and otherwise. The new presentation of "ZIPPY TM" is a similar look to the event driven character and will be used expressly in UA Athletics Children's Programs, such as the GIANT EAGLE/Zips Kids Club and the GIANT EAGLE Family Sports Clinics. The public will see this new "ZIPPY TM" Youth Mark on July 1 here on GoZips.com.
"Zippy TM" the kangaroo was officially declared The University of Akron's mascot over 49 years ago on May 1, 1953. The selection of the kangaroo was buoyed by the fact that "it is an animal that is fast, agile and powerful with undying determination - all the necessary qualities of an athlete." These same adjectives remain appropriate today when describing the academic and athletic mission of The University of Akron.
"The 'ZIPPY TM' character is one of our most cherished and beloved images at The University of Akron. In the recent past we have had two distinctly different looks for "ZIPPY TM" - the mascot at the games and the cartoon application. Our new presentation focuses on the qualities that have made our mascot so very popular with folks young and old and provides a clear vision of who 'ZIPPY TM' is."
Originally Zippers, athletic director Kenneth "Red" Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to the "ZIPS TM" in 1950. Twenty-five years earlier a campus-wide contest had been conducted to choose a nickname for the University's athletic teams.
Suggestions submitted by students, faculty, and alumni included Golden Blue Devils, Tip Toppers, Rubbernecks, Hillbillies, Kangaroos, and Cheveliers. The winner, freshman Margaret Hamlin, received a prize of $10 for Zippers - a $6 pair of rubber overshoes and a brand name of the BF Goodrich Company.
UA Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations Mike Waddell chaired the rebranding effort for ZIPS Athletics and says that the new look for "ZIPPY TM" was an important part of the overall process.
Another major shift for Zips Athletics will be a return of "Metallic Gold" to the athletics color scheme. This interpretation of the school color will reacquaint UA Athletes and fans alike with the historical shade of GOLD used prior to the 1995-96 athletic seasons. Team uniforms will be gradually incorporated into this color change according to established timelines for replacement.
UA Licensing and Merchandising Manager Cara Hrabusa says the color transformation will prove to be a popular move with the fans!
"When we first started this process we consulted with NFL Properties in Los Angeles about how they changed the colors of the St. Louis Rams following the 2000 Super Bowl. The Rams had the same colors that the Zips were using but changed to the metallic version of gold the following season. As a result their merchandising sales increased in September of the following year. Our focus groups have shown that this new mark set and color palette are suited for each other and will be welcomed by our supporters and, just as importantly, by the casual sports fan looking for appealing merchandise."
Also on July 1 a new apparel line will be available to Zips fans at the GoZips.com Online Store, featuring items from adidas, the official apparel partner to UA Athletics. This merchandise can be ordered online at GoZips.com or by calling 1-888-99-AKRON.
