MIZZOU NEWS

Bearing the MU Brand

By Ashlee Erwin

What can you find on land, on water and in the air all at the same time? Here’s a hint: you’ve also worn or displayed it proudly. That’s right – it’s the University of Missouri-Columbia trademark, and while friends and alumni across the world have worn Mizzou T-shirts, used MU mugs or displayed Tiger flags, some supporters have taken their pride to the extreme.

When it comes to supporting Mizzou, it’s hard to top having 12 family members who have graduated or are attending the University; but the Shryock family of Callaway County, Mo., has found a way. Twelve acres of corn, five days of mowing, 900 Global Positioning System (GPS) points and four miles of trails all combine to produce the 2004 Shryock Spirit of Missouri Corn Maze that features a Mizzou football helmet.

Mizzou in a Maze

The maze idea originated three years ago at the urging of Mike Shryock, one of the partners on the 115-year-old family farm which also is run by his father Denny Shryock, BS ’69, JD ’73, uncle Joe Shryock, BS ’76, cousin Brett Shryock, BS ’03, and their families. They have featured Mizzou in two of the three mazes so far, which are sponsored by KMIZ-TV, the local ABC-affiliate. Individuals can navigate the maze for $6 (less for children), with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations. Joe Shryock said he hopes the maze illustrates the important connection between Mizzou and the Columbia community.

“Without any support from the local community, the school wouldn’t prosper and be the school it is today,” Shryock said. “Whether you attended Mizzou or not, you should still support it because it’s a great institution.”

Support of the University, especially through permission-based use of the logos, has far-reaching effects. Linda Gilbert, program administrator for the MU Licensing and Trademarks Office, says that while trademark regulation protects the University’s name and enhances its image, it also provides financial support for campus programs.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that the University receives the appropriate commercial value for the use of its trademarks,” Gilbert said. “Royalties from licensing agreements benefit Marching Mizzou and MU’s athletic programs.”

Mizzou in the Water

In Park Hills, Mo., Eric Harris, JD ’76, decided that the purchase of a new bass boat was the perfect opportunity to show his loyalty to Mizzou. After much planning and designing, Harris is the owner of a black-and-gold Ranger Bass Boat with the MU logo projected onto the deck carpet, one of only two collegiate-licensed boats in the nation. He obtained permission from the MU Licensing and Trademarks Office and took the logo to the Ranger Boat Company in Arkansas, which used a computer system to create the durable 3-D image in the carpet.

“If you can’t catch fish, you have to look good trying,” Harris said with a laugh.
He is, however, a serious bass fisherman who now uses the boat to entertain his daughters, Mizzou senior Lauren and future freshman Ashlee, and their friends. He considers them to be potential students and never fails to share the benefits of a Mizzou education.

“My practice has paid off so well because of my connections with Mizzou, it’s like rewarding a parent for raising a good child,” Harris said. “More people ought to kick in support when they can to the University.”

Mizzou in the Air

Bill, BS ’73, and Shermaine Riggins of Marshall, Mo., have decided to show their support of MU in the sky. The couple has just bought a new Cessna four-passenger plane, but instead of ordering the standard burgundy and blue color, they have plans to fly in black-and-gold style. Pending FAA approval, the Mizzou logo will appear on the plane’s tail, along with the call letters N24MU.

Bill, who has had his private pilot’s license since 1976, often flies for business but finds time to follow the Mizzou football team to away games. The Riggins, whose daughter Andrea Martin, BA ’94, MD ’02, attended MU, have held season football and basketball tickets for the past 10 years.

“We’re big Mizzou fans,” Shermaine said. “We have the tiger paws in the driveway, and we fly the Mizzou flag. We wanted the plane to show our spirit, too.”

Mizzou in a Mural

Even newcomers to the Columbia community have used the logo in creative ways. Nothing But Noodles, a new franchise restaurant that opened in September at the corner of Ninth and Cherry streets, sports a 9- by 11-foot canvas mural depicting customers wearing Mizzou apparel.

Co-owners Carey Mulwee and Tom Pogemiller, whose sons Bret, BA ’98, and Mark, BS ’00, attended Mizzou, wanted a unique way to link their restaurant with the University. Linda Mundekis, director of marketing, and artist Coni Bourin of Scottsdale, Ariz., found a way to make it happen by creating the three-panel mural.

“It’s important that we embrace each community through our restaurants,” Mundekis said. “Our concept represents the energy of the people here in Columbia.”

Many other creative uses of the Mizzou logo exist, both for personal alumni use and for retail purposes. Each time someone applies for permission to use the logo, Gilbert says she is excited to see so many active Mizzou fans.

“We're proud that our Mizzou alumni wish to show their support in various ways, and we appreciate them following the appropriate steps in gaining the University’s approval,” Gilbert said. “They truly bleed black and gold, and it doesn’t get much better than that.”

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Last Update: July 2, 2009