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Show 015 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015 mascot continued from page 1 concepts to add to the five provided by the identity committee, and consulting with the committee to narrow the choices down to three branding concepts. Phase two will be devoted to creating logos, colors and mascot designs for the three finalists and we lor- - rhe me at- - ally t ro-h- - m ents rd get- - working with the identity committee and major DSU stakeholders to narrow the selections to one complete design. Phase one and two of the process are due to be completed by the end of 20 1 5 The final phase will be to strategically plan and rollout DSUs new brand identity and is hoped to be . fully implemented by fall 2016, Sharp said. DSU held the Rebel as its official symbol for over 50 years until public pressure forced it into retirement, but it is still used by some campus entities. A committee, led by former student body president Brock Bybee, chose the nickname Red Storm in 2009. It has remained a source of confusion for students ever since. According to a student survey conducted in fall 2014, over 70 percent of the respondents reported having either a negative or confused view of DSUs identity and would like to change the current DSU moniker. Like any good company or organization, branding is important to understand what the organization is about, who they are, and to have symbols to rally around, Sharp said. There is a strong sense of pride at Dixie State University, but there has been some confusion with branding. Kalynn Lai son, director of the DSU alumni house, said the alumni never liked Red Storm for not being D1XIESUNNEWS.COM - 3 branded right and because of the way the alumni association perceived the process was handled. She said the alumni association felt like it was thrown out of the decision and not allowed to suggest what it really wanted. The alumni association has been the strongest supporter of retaining the Rebel, and symbols of DSUs confederate past can still be found on house walls. However, it understands that in todays politically correct climate, it will not even be considered. Larson, a member of the identity committee, said the alumni board will have more input during the new selection process. The nickname and mascot needs to tie into the university, it needs to be a positive image, and it needs to be something that the alumni can buy into, she said. It has to be en compassing of everyone. Its not changing again. Chet Norman, DSU NIGERIAN continued from page 1 alumni marketing specialist, said Red Storm has never caught on because a one of the 789 different lot of people arent able to cultures in Nigeria, Nwo-kol- o said. identify with it. Its not tangible, NorNigeria has a rich, man said. A lot of people diverse culture, and we dont even know what it is, wanted to show it off at which causes a big disconDSU for people to see nect between the alumni what the culture is a little and the university. bit like, she said. No public meetings are Nwokolo said she hopes selecthe the celebration on campus planned during tion process because they will drive more students to are not needed, Sharp said. join the Nigerian Student This decision is going Association to learn more to be data and research about the Nigerian culture. We are welcoming and based. DSU will retain the new encompassing t0 every motto, the color red, the current DSU institutional logo and its current official name. Due to research, no past identities are being considered and Dixie State University, as mandated by the state of Utah, is staying the formal institution name, Sharp said. one, Nwokolo said. we have great food. Plus Ayoola Faheedat, a sophomore nursing major from Lagos, Nigeria, said the independence day celebrations in Nigeria are so large, they wanted to bring a part of it to DSU. She said the Nigerian students are recruited to come to DSU by agents who come to their high schools. DSU is a good school, but we wanted to show the diversity and lifestyle of Nigeria to the people here, Faheedat said. It is a really beautiful time for us and for all Nigerians across all of St. George and the world. nt lail iu It 1 Ayoola Faheedat, a sophomore nursing major from Lagos, Nigeria, plays the drum at the Nigerian Independence Day celebration at Dixie State University Oct 1 The celebration was presented by the Nigerian Student Association fj ! ') 1 OCTOBER 7 7:30 PM THURSDAY - OCTOBER 3th |