The Braveheart Bear Statue stands in the lobby of the Physical Education building facing the quad area. It was a gift to the Athletics Department by UCR Director of Physical Plant Mike Miller and his wife Susan.

In an unveiling ceremony held Friday, May 17, 2002, Morrison told the assembled crowd of about 120 "We are uniquely honored to have two people who give both financially and emotionally to UCR. This artwork reflects a key symbol of this university and its history, the bear."

Miller not only invested money in the statue, but time as well, as he, Morrison, and Vice Chancellor of Administration Mike Webster built and installed the platform that the bear sits upon. In all, the installation is about seven feet tall and weighs several hundred pounds, with the blue-grey Corian base weighing in at 350 pounds by itself.

Morrison said that he hopes that the bear will serve as a source of inspiration to Highlander student-athletes for years to come.

"I hope that our student-athletes will come by and rub the nose of the bear for good luck as they go out to represent our school," Morrison told the crowd during the statue's unveiling. "Years from now, I hope to see that the nose is as shiny as a new penny."

The statue sits immediately adjacent to the Braveheart and Rob Roy trophies. The trophies honor the recipients of the annual Braveheart Award for courage and the Rob Roy Award for integrity, which are annually presented to a student-athlete, coach or staff member.

The unveiling coincided with Miller's 52nd birthday, and the assembled crowd sang "Happy Birthday" as Miller was presented with a cake.

The sculpture was created by the artist Florian.

The Bear is unveiled.

From left, Athletics Director Stan Morrison, Susan Miller and Director of Physical Plant Mike Miller.

Mike Miller is presented with a cake in honor of his birthday.