U of Montana Grizzly Bears Awarded Co-Branding With Smokey Bear

For the first time in history, the U.S. Forest Service will co-brand their iconic bear with a small number of universities. Let's look at why the University of Montana made the list.

LICENSING PARTNERS

Jenny Lavey with UM News Service reminds us that for generations of Americans, their first bear encounter was with one wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding a shovel, educating on the dangers of wildfire. 

Not much has changed since 1944, when Smokey Bear was first created to inspire Americans to prevent wildfires. Smokey is still used in national marketing and youth education campaigns today, including a new, historic collaboration with the University of Montana.

Thanks to the school's Fire Sciences program, the Griz and Smokey are a match made in heaven. Pete Lucchesi, co-owner and creative director of Streaker Sports, is the apparel host of Smokey Bear’s college connection, and chose UM as a partnering school on the launch.

According to Mr. Lucchesi, the task of bringing Smokey Bear into a collegiate landscape was unique: “We’re honored to partner with the U.S. Forest Service on an apparel collection that celebrates and unites both the rich history of Smokey Bear and the incredible forestry program at the University of Montana.”

THE PERSONALIZED LOGO AND DESIGN

If you missed it in the above image, take a closer look. The one-time-only line of apparel includes the iconic Smokey Bear, the University’s Main Hall and ponderosa pine tree imagery. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Smokey Bear campaign, to be used for continued wildfire prevention education.

Collegiate Licensing Company is the nation’s leading trademark licensing agency and acts as an intermediary between universities and companies to create officially licensed merchandise.

READ MORE: University of Montana Game Designer Enjoying a Winning Strategy

"IT'S A NATURAL"

In the UM News Service release, University of Montana chief licensing office Denise "Goat" Lamb was quoted as saying, “UM’s brand is a natural cohesion with Smokey Bear, for several reasons. Chief among them, we are Montana’s leading forestry college from our earliest days, and our impact continues today.”

The line includes three T-shirts and a crewneck sweatshirt, available in-store only at the Go Griz Store on the UM campus, and online with Streaker Sports at streakersports.com.

Congrats to the Griz and the start of a beautiful friendship with Smokey!