The University of Montana was founded in 1893, with its official colors chosen as copper, silver, and gold to represent the mining industry. At various times in the school's history, “copper” has been represented by a burnt orange or maroon, or occasionally different colors altogether. This has led to a rich and varied history of color usage in memorabilia and vintage uniforms. In this design, found on an old decal, traditional yellow and burnt orange color the grizzly as he leaps over the school’s name.