(KNOX) –The Engelstad Foundation is supporting a Grand Forks resident who’s seeing ownership of three trademarks related to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
The Engelstad Foundation CEO and trustee Kris Engelstad said in a statement the foundation supports Tyler Wilson’s pursuit. Engelstad is the daughter of Ralph Englestad, who is named after the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
The statement says that “The Engelstad Foundation stands with Tyler Wilson, a Grand Forks resident and UND graduate who has expressed a sincere willingness to partner with the University of North Dakota and pursue a mutually beneficial resolution regarding these trademarks. He has been ready to cooperate since before this matter became public, yet it has continued for months, consuming considerable time, attention and resources that would be better directed toward the university’s educational mission. Tyler cares deeply about UND and remains prepared to sit down, work constructively with university leadership and bring this matter to a fair conclusion. We strongly encourage UND to join him at the table so everyone involved can resolve this and move forward.”
Wilson is looking to acquire the trademarks that say “FIGHTING SIOUX,” and “SIOUX.” He’s also trying to get the Fighting Sioux logo UND used from 2000 to 2012.
UND responded to Engelstad’s statement by saying “The stewardship of official university marks is an important responsibility, and decisions regarding their use, licensing and registration are made thoughtfully and with the best interests of the university and our broader community in mind,” the statement said. “We are deeply grateful for the longstanding relationship, generosity and support of the Engelstad family. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on the University and the Grand Forks community, and we look forward to building on that shared legacy in the years ahead. Out of respect for the legal process and ongoing discussions, we will refrain from further comment at this time.”
The University of North Dakota changed its logo and nickname to the Fighting Hawks in 2015.
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