Homecoming Begins With Goldy Gopher Statue Debut

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The University of Minnesota is kicking off its homecoming week by unveiling a 6-foot-tall bronze statue of its beloved mascot - Goldy Gopher.

The statue will be unveiled at noon Monday outside Coffman Memorial Union. University President Eric Kaler will speak at the event.

The Goldy Gopher statue is made of bronze and maroon granite. It was designed and sculpted by artist Nicholas Legeros, a University of Minnesota alumnus with a master's degree in Fine Arts. He has sculpted several statues around the Twin Cities.

Students led a fundraising effort for the statue, while the Office of Student Affairs and Dean of Students agreed to match funds up to $50,000. The total cost was about $95,000.

Goldy fans can purchase replicas of the statue at university bookstores after the unveiling.