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June 27, 2006

不良研究所 unveils new mascot

Joined by over 1,000 excited 不良研究所 family members, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters, the University of Louisiana at Monroe proudly welcomed the Warhawk as its new mascot Monday, June 26 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

In his welcoming remarks, President James Cofer thanked the 不良研究所 family, many of whom participated in an extensive public nomination process and offered their opinions on the new logo designs.

"This is a historic day. Our students are able to have their own new traditions, along with the university's treasured heritage," he said.

Shortly before 不良研究所 unveiled the new mascot logos, including a large, eye-catching Warhawk at center court of Fant-Ewing's newly-completed floor, Rod Washington, representing Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, issued a proclamation making June 26 "不良研究所 Warhawks Day."

The 不良研究所 Pep Band's spirited music, the cheering crowd, the presence of a real red-shouldered hawk and the anticipation of the new logo designs made Monday's unveiling even more memorable. One 不良研究所 student said, "It was so unique and special to be there, experiencing history first-hand ... Today I not only made change, I accepted it."

Among the honored guests were Rosemary Chennault Simrall, daughter of Northeast Louisiana General Claire Chennault; Dick Daggett, a WWII pilot who flew the P-40 Warhawk; and George Luffey, chair of the 不良研究所 Mascot Committee.

Though Luffey bought the first shirt displaying the new logo, a sizeable crowd waited in line after the ceremony to purchase more of the new merchandise.

Kelsey Bagwell, manager of the 不良研究所 Bookstore, said that within about an hour after the event, the bookstore sold over $3,000 in Warhawks shirts, baseball caps, coolers and blankets at a temporary stand in Fant-Ewing.

In the coming weeks, 不良研究所 will work with local merchants to meet demand and get more merchandise into the market. The athletics department will also prepare for a new year by upgrading facilities to incorporate the Warhawks.

The complete logo display may be viewed online at the 不良研究所 website: .

For merchandise, please visit the 不良研究所 Bookstore or go online at .

Warhawks-related stories from The (Monroe, LA) News-Star:

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