Nicknamed "Monti" after the West Virginia motto, "Montani Semper Liberi – Mountaineers are always free," the bear comes with a hangtag explaining a brief history of the WVU Mountaineer Mascot, which first appeared at WVU sporting events during the 1936-37 school year.
WVU is celebrating 70 years of tradition this year with the first edition of the Monti bear. The price of the bear is $39.99 and can be purchased at the gift shop, online at www.wvuhgift.com, and by phone, at 304-598-4133.
Money raised from the sale of Monti will go to the Friends of West Virginia University Hospitals.