Letter to the editor

Ellen Austin.

1015 N 39 St., H-29

Grand Forks, ND, 58202

701-775-7573.

Say No To Nodaks.

Al Austin was a senior at UND, student president, homecoming chair,  editor of The Dakota Student and chairman of the UND journalism department for many years. He was also the person who changed the UND nickname to “Sioux.” After going to games when the team was called Nodaks he didn’t see much enthusiasm for that name.

Wanting something better than Flickertails or Nodaks and Homecoming was only two weeks away.

He was able to change the name to “Sioux” in time for Homecoming to beat the South Dakota “Bunnies.”

Before the game he received approval from Dean Beck of Science, Literature and Arts and the Athletic Board.

A convocation was called and the name “Sioux” became official. It was used for the Homecoming Game on Oct. 17, 1930 and the name held up for 82 years.

Why do I know this? I am the widow of Al Austin, the man who named the “Sioux.”