The Goldy Gopher statue was completed in 2013. It was designed to impact school pride and spirit by allowing the campus community to interact with the school mascot on a daily basis. The statue is meant to foster traditions that will have long-lasting impressions on today's student population, as well as future generations to come. The bronze Goldy Gopher statue stands six feet three inches high on Coffman Memorial Union's front plaza. The granite block "M" spans sixty-three inches in width, twenty-four inches in depth and forty-eight inches in height. The statue was installed during an elaborate Welcome-Back-to-Campus event on Sept. 23 of 2013.
Statue Sculptor Nicholas Legeros
Nicholas Legeros has a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. For more than twenty years he was an Artist-in-residence and instructor at Minnetonka Center for the Arts. He also taught for Metropolitan State University, Breck Schools and the Edina Art Center. Mr. Legeros left teaching to pursue a full-time career as a sculptor. In addition to the bronze Goldy Gopher, his recent large commissions include a statue of Sid Hartman for the Target Center and a 17' high statue of St. Joseph for St. Joseph's Hospital.
Interview with the Nick Legeros
FAQs
What material is the statue constructed out of?
The Goldy statue is made out of bronze and granite. Copper is a primary component of bronze and remains a plentiful element on our planet. Bronze is a 4,000 year old process with techniques handed down from generation to generation. The bronze used to create the Goldy statue allows this image to last for thousands of years. The sculpture can also be recycled if need be, by a process of disassembling and melting down. The cost of copper and bronze had increased significantly in the past ten years prior to the construction of the statue due to an increased demand from the countries of India and China. This also increased speculation by investors who wished to profit on a rising market price. As a sculptor working in bronze for over 35 years, Nicholas Legeros saves every scrap of bronze that does not end up in the final product and reuses it.
How was the statue funded?
We did not request any additional Student Services Fees dollars, tax dollars, or University funds for the Goldy statue. The statue fundraising was student-driven and many alumni, donors, students, staff, faculty and campus visitors contributed. Funds were run through the University Foundation so donations were tax deductible if desired. All donations were completely voluntary and the Office for Student Affairs and Dean of Students provided matching funds up to $50,000.
What was the statue funding source for the Office for Student Affairs and Dean of Students?
The University’s beverage contract (with Coca Cola) provided discretionary funds that the office administers used to enhance student life and build community for students attending the University. This initiative both supports community building among students and contributes to school pride and spirit.
Why did SUA handle the campaign? Who thought of this campaign? Where did this campaign originate?
The idea originated at the June 30, 2011 President Kaler Inauguration Student Engagement Committee which was charged with brainstorming possible new traditions for the University of Minnesota. Due to the time constraints, the Student Engagement Committee was unable to fundraise or select an artist in time for President Kaler’s Inauguration. Maggie Towle, Chair of the Student Engagement Committee brought the idea to the Student Unions & Activities student Board of Governors. The Board of Governors unanimously endorsed the Goldy statue and fundraising idea at their March 22, 2012 meeting. The Board of Governors and Visual Arts Committee of the student Program Board determined the sculptor and location for a Goldy statue in front of Coffman Union. Given the statue was initiated by the students; we foresee an increased sense of pride and connectedness within the student body. The Board of Governors felt this project would work well as a student-to-student driven fundraising campaign and felt there would be a lot of support for the project from students, staff, faculty alumni, and the University community as a whole.
Why was the Goldy statue placed in front of Coffman Memorial Union?
Goldy Gopher represents the entire University community including academics, athletics, arts, students, staff, alumni, and campus visitors. Coffman Union is the central gathering place used by the entire University community and averages over three million visitors annually. In determining a location for the statue, the Board of Governors kept in mind that the statue would be a tool to bring people of all ages and University affiliations together. This made the northeast corner of Coffman Memorial Union near the east wing of the building an ideal location for the statue. A bronze Goldy Gopher statue in front of Coffman Memorial Union is something that every student, as well as the overall campus community, is able to equally enjoy and interact with on a daily basis.
What was the cost of the statue?
The Goldy Gopher statue itself was constructed of bronze and Goldy is leaning on the University “M” symbol, which is made of maroon colored granite. The total cost for the sculptor, materials, and installation was approximately $95,000.
Who was the artist for the statue? How was the artist chosen?
Another way in which we hoped to keep the project within the University community was by choosing a University of Minnesota alumnus as the artist for this project. Nicholas Legeros has a Masters of Fine Arts from the University and has sculpted several statues around the Twin Cities metro area including Sid Hartman outside of Target Field.
When was the statue installed?
It took approximately 7-8 months to produce the statue. We unveiled the statue in fall of 2013.
Why build then, when the economy was tough and tuition and fees kept increasing?
Donations for the Goldy Gopher statue were completely voluntary. The rising tuition and fees was trending upward nationally due to rising costs and less legislative support for Higher Education. Material and labor for the statue were also projected to increase over time. Given the rich history of the mascot, and what Goldy represents, the statue serves as an icon for all University members, regardless of their University affiliation with the school. It acts both as a common area for students to gather and a collective image for promoting school spirit. The statue fosters new traditions among the University of Minnesota student body and instills a sense of pride for the University of Minnesota.
What will be the ongoing maintenance costs of the statue and how will that be paid for?
Ongoing maintenance costs are minimal. The bronze Goldy is coated with a Urethane finish designed to last 25 years. The only maintenance needed is cleaning the space around the statue regularly.
How is the statue secured to prevent theft/damage?
The statue is secured through a footing system. Fasteners consist of stainless steel to securely mount the statue. Security cameras monitor the statue site.
How were funds collected? Who handled the funds?
Funds were run through the University Foundation so donations were tax deductible if desired. Faculty and staff also had the opportunity to donate using payroll deduction. Silicone bracelets were sold for a $2 donation at Student Unions & Activities events and retail locations (Gopher Express, Gopher Spot, Goldy's Gameroom, Info Desk, Coffman Theater Concessions, Coffman Union Post Office), Homecoming and Athletic events, University Bookstore, and the U Card Office. The bracelets cost $0.20 and $1.80 went towards fundraising efforts for each bracelet sold.