Jack Davis is an Illinois alum with a lot of love for the University. He got his training as a graphic artist here. He even met his wife on U of I's campus. But his biggest tie to the U of I is the chief logo. That's because he created it. "I got involved in doing artwork for the athletic association, around 1974," Davis says. At the time... there wasn't an athletic design Davis didn't have a hand in. He sketched and painted countless athletic posters. Davis drew the covers to sports programs. He even designed the floor for Assembly Hall during that era. But perhaps what he's most proud of, is the chief symbol. "I've been able to kind of say a part of me is there in the school," he says. The time-honored trademark started as a sketch back in 1981. "I probably worked on it for a month or so," Davis says. That design won the hearts of many athletic administrators including former assistant athletic director Tom Porter. "When he brought it in we thought it was a great logo," Porter says. "Everybody that saw it thought it was outstanding." It wasn't much longer, and the logo was licensed. The trade-off? Davis had $270 in his pocket and some good seats to university games. "I think jack did it out of love," Porter says. "He loved the university." Far from it's pen-and-ink beginnings on Davis' desk, the logo has made it's way into homes and businesses... even cars. It was an emblem many thought would stand the test of time. The question now... Will the University keep this nearly thirty year tradition after the chief's last dance? Even former administrators aren't sure about its future. "I would like us to keep the logo," Porter says. "But i don't know if it's appropriate." "If there were some way they worked it out they could retain trademark rights to it and used it that would be great," Davis says. "If they did it to keep it off the market i don't think i would be too crazy about that because i like it i'm proud of it. I'd like to see it out there." Administrators are talking with lawyers to come up with the best option for the school. Executive Director for University Relations Tom Hardy says if they decide to ditch the logo, the University will consider giving it back to Davis. That's because administrators don't want it reproduced. Either way, many say they won't forget the significance of this symbol. "I don't see it ever going away," Davis says. "I think it's in too many people's hearts and minds."
