Wildcat

Artist: Hanlon Sculpture Studio

NMU commissioned a statue in 2018 of the school’s mascot the Wildcat for the new heart of the academic mall. The Wildcat steps across a large boulder in the center of welcoming landscaping making it a wonderful photo background for students and visitors. Artist Brian Hanlon has work installed across the U.S. and has created a number of mascot subjects. “It’s much more than a piece of art put in place; it becomes a meaningful symbol and destination on campus,” Hanlon said.

Fun Fact: Hanlon also is the artist behind Michigan Tech’s Husky statue.

The statue was made possible through a gift from the estate of former NMU Board of Trustees chair and longtime NMU supporter Gil Ziegler (’60 BS).

Northern Michigan University Jurisdiction

The cast-bronze wildcat is 12 feet long—nose to tail—and about five feet high.