Creator of the Modern Design of Goldy Gopher Has Died

After a long fought battle with an illness, Steve Wanvig, the artist behind the current look of the beloved U of M mascot passed away on June 6th.

According to Steve's obituary, he passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home. Wanving drew up the the current look for Goldy back in the mid 1980's according to Bring Me the News. Wanving, a U of M Alum, was a graphic design artist for Jostens for over 38 years and during that time, the University of Minnesota reached out to him to help create a modern look for the school's mascot. It wasn't love at first sight though, as the first mock up of Goldy received heavy criticism.

In response to public criticism, Athletics asks Wanvig to make Goldy look less fierce.

In the biography of the Mascot, it shows that Wanving's first design for Goldy had a "more aggressive" look that what has been previously seen. Because of this, the first design of Goldy was reworked into the less fierce look we see today! In 2013, a bronze statue of the Mascot was unveiled outside Coffman Memorial Union. This has also spawned a tradition for students and fans to rub the teeth of Goldy and making a wish!

Wake up with Jarred Becker every weekday morning from 6a-10a on AM 1390 KRFO
Connect with me on Social Media!
Twitter - @Jarred_Becker
Facebook - Jarred Becker