Wildcat Statue Needs a Name

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2012) — The voting for the Wildcat Statue is now in its final stages. A committee has narrowed down all the submissions to three names: Champ, Victor or Bowman (in honor of John Bowman, founder of UK). The final voting lasts through Oct. 8.

“It is so important to us here at the UK Alumni Association to give UK students the opportunity to feel connected to the Wildcat sculpture,” said Leslie Hayes, program coordinator, who is spearheading this effort for the Alumni Association.

“Wildcat Alumni Plaza is quickly becoming an important spot on campus,” she added. “We want students to have an inextricable tie to the plaza and Wildcat sculpture and, when returning as alumni years from now, know that they played an important role in naming such an iconic campus landmark. We had hundreds of name suggestions submitted and are really excited about the three names that made the final cut.”

Today’s students can create a University of Kentucky tradition now that is certain to survive for decades by voting soon.  To vote or to find more information, visit http://alumniweb.uky.edu/alumforms/catname/catnamevote/ .

Already a gathering place and stopping point for people walking through campus, the Wildcat sculpture is UK’s newest celebrity. Dedicated in April 2012, just as March Madness was reaching its glorious conclusion, the bronze sculpture dominating Wildcat Alumni Plaza (across Avenue of Champions from Memorial Coliseum) represents what it means to be a Kentucky Wildcat. The Wildcat sculpture stands for students’, alumni and employees’ pride in blue and serves as a friendly ambassador to campus visitors. Not too many years from now, the statue will be a sentimental connection to today’s students’ college years.

The winning name will be announced on Oct. 15 at the Homecoming Pep Rally in the Plaza. Visit www.wildcatalumniplaza.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu