Sponsor a Bear Statue

Four Simple Steps to Sponsor a Bear Statue

1. Your department or organization submits a project request form (PRF). Should the sponsor have a site and design in mind, this should be described within the PRF. Should the sponsor need design and location assistance, Planning, Design and Construction (PD&C) can develop a concept and location that meets the expectations of the sponsor.
2. PD&C reviews the request. All designs and locations will be approved by PD&C in conjunction with the MSU Public Arts Committee.
3. Upon approval from PD&C and the MSU Public Arts Committee, a complete quote will be provided to the sponsor.
4. Upon receipt and approval from the department, the PRF will be assigned to the Campus Construction Team (CCT) for installation.

What Should Be Included on the PRF?

• Suggested location of statue, if known. 
• Suggested design to be applied, if known.

Estimated Cost

The estimated cost ranges from $1,750 to $4,500 per bear statue. This cost includes the cost of the painting of the bear. Your department or organization will not be responsible for the cost of the statue itself or any installation charges. The cost of the painting will vary depending upon the design selected for the bear. A quote for the painting cost will be provided to you for approval before proceeding. Please contact Planning, Design & Construction for further information.

Signage and Advertising Standards

All designs will be required to follow campus standards and university policies.

• Campus Signage Policy
• Commercial Advertising, Sales, Solicitation and Facilities Usage Policy

About Bear Statues

In an effort to promote campus spirit, unity, and pride on campus, the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Senior Class Gift Commission organized a project that will bring 25 sponsored bear statues to Missouri State University. The goal is to place each sponsored bear around campus, each of which will be painted to reflect the department or organization sponsoring a bear.

President Smart worked side-by-side with the students to organize this project. While working to make this idea a reality, it was apparent that up-front funding was needed for the mold, creation of 25 bear statues, and delivery to campus. President Smart agreed to provide up-front funding as long as the 2017 Senior Class voted to sponsor the first bear and continued support would be provided through future class sponsorships. The 2017 Student Body Election included a referendum to verify class support for the gift and potential future class support. Both votes had over 70% support from the students.

As a result of this vote, the senior class worked with the office of Planning, Design & Construction to design the first bear statue placed on our campus. This bear statue, pictured above, is located at the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center. On this bear, you will find the word “Welcome” translated into various languages representing the diversity at Missouri State University.

The office of Planning, Design and Construction will be the main contact for questions about the Sponsor a Bear program. Throughout the project, additional information will be added to this website to keep the campus and community updated.