A life-sized bronze likeness of Stomper sitting on an 8-foot bench took permanent residence in the Centennial Student Union on Wednesday, Jan. 17, during the unveiling of the newest landmark on campus.
The sculpture entitled “Sittin’ with Stomper” and an accompanying bronze plaque was revealed during a brief noon ceremony on Jan. 17 that included President Edward Inch, Student Government President Sierra Roiger, and the Maverick Machine. The sculpture will be located on the CSU Main Level between Starbucks and the Campus Hub.
“Sittin’ with Stomper’ is so simple, yet appropriate. We want it to be interactive and engaging–not on a pedestal to simply look at. We want people to join Stomper. Sit with Stomper. Gather around Stomper. Share the spirit of Stomper that people have come to love.’
Lenny Koupal
The ceremony concluded with cake served in the Wambdi Wapaha Lounge and the viewing of video tracing the creation of the statue. A drawing for limited-edition Sittin’ with Stomper bobblehead was also part of the dedication.
“This is something that has been on the CSU bucket list for some time,” said Lenny Koupal, CSU Communications Coordinator and master of ceremonies for the unveiling. “We envision creating a tradition of endless photos capturing Maverick spirit. Stomper will now be waiting in the CSU for future generations gathering during Welcome Week, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Graduation, campus visits or personal selfies.”
Commissioned by the CSU with the support of the Student Government and the Student Union Board, actual planning for the 1200-pound statue began in Spring 2022. A summer Request for Proposal drew interested firms from Colorado to Delaware before the contract was awarded to Brodin Studios of Kimball, Minn.
The closeness of the studio and the sharp details created through Brodin’s use of 3-D printers in molding the statue were among the reasons for selecting the Minnesota firm.
Koupal said the design for the sculpture has always envisioned Stomper seated on a bench. Coming up with an inviting moniker for the statue came easy.
“‘Sittin’ with Stomper’ is so simple, yet appropriate. We want it to be interactive and engaging–not on a pedestal to simply look at,” Koupal said. “We want people to join Stomper. Sit with Stomper. Gather around Stomper. Share the spirit of Stomper that people have come to love,” Koupal said.
Koupal said the decision to put Stomper in a hockey sweater rose from the Mavericks’ Division I play in both men’s and women’s hockey.
“We want a gender-neutral reflection of our highest level of competition, not just in athletics, but all aspects of the Minnesota State Mankato experience,” Koupal said.
Following the unveiling, an Instagram photo contest using #sittinwithstomper will continue through January with prizes offered for “Sittin’ with Stomper” selfies judged most creative.
