PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (October 17, 2002) -- Saint Joseph's University, as part of an ongoing image campaign, unveiled a new graphic identity program at a news conference today at 3 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse's Hall of Fame Room on Thursday afternoon. At the news conference, a series of athletic and campus marks -- most featuring the newly designed "Hawk" logo as well as identifying logotypes -- were made public to members of the media. In the evening, in conjunction with "Midnight Madness" festivities marking the start of the men's and women's basketball seasons, students, staff and alumni got their first glimpse of the new marks. The unveiling during Midnight Madness, which took place just after 9:30 p.m., took place on the court of the Fieldhouse, where the new Hawk has been designed to extend dramatically beyond the traditional center circle. This design was chosen as a celebration of a mascot tradition chosen "best in the nation" by Sports Illustrated, ESPN and others. Merchandise and other items showcasing the new graphic identity were available at Midnight Madness and following the event at the SJU Bookstore. Area retailers are expected to carry new Saint Joseph's products, as well, during the upcoming holiday shopping period and beyond. While increased merchandise sales are expected, the primary goal of the program is a unified identity for an institution which recently marked its 150th anniversary as Philadelphia's Jesuit university (1851-2001). The overall "image campaign" is designed to enhance public and constituent awareness of SJU as a comprehensive, globally focused university. In less than 20 years, SJU has grown substantially from a locally based commuter college to a wide-ranging university with students from 37 states. The academic reputation and national rankings for Saint Joseph's suggest a collegiate experience that is now second-to-none. Questions may be directed to Joseph Lunardi, assistant vice president for university communications, at 610.660.1221. Merchandising and logo inquires may be made to Ken Krsolovic, director of broadcasting and licensing, at 610.660.1704. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University is celebrating more than 150 years of academic excellence. One of just 137 schools nationwide with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph's is home to 3,750 full-time undergraduates and 3,000 graduate, nontraditional, and doctoral students. The university's strong liberal arts tradition is marked by rigorous and open-minded inquiry, high academic standards, a love of learning, and the development of the whole person. -30-