Ohio Northern to unveil new Polar Bear logo on Sept. 5
Ohio Northern University will unveil its new Polar Bear logo in a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 11:30 am in the McIntosh Center on the ONU campus.

The new logo will replace the previous logo which has been in use since the early 1980s. Born March 16, 1923, the Polar Bear was officially chosen on that date as mascot for the Ohio Northern athletic teams. The polar bear was chosen by an overwhelming vote of the student body to personify the spirit of ONU. For decades, the Ohio Northern Polar Bear appeared in many forms on uniforms, in drawings, and finally in costume – some were fearsome while others were humorous.  At least once, in the 1978 yearbook, the Polar Bear was called “Pipey.”  It wasn’t’ until its 75th year, 1998, that The Bear was officially named “Klondike.”

 Now at age 83, Klondike the ONU Polar Bear will undergo another makeover to continue to represent ONU in the 21st Century.  Klondike’s new image will be appearing on everything from athletic uniforms to polo shirts to baby onesies.

 The new Polar Bear embraces the same characteristics that had students in 1923 applauding.  The new Klondike is described by the design committee as “regal, proud, modern, intimidating yet not frightening, and appropriate to represent both female and male teams.”