Q. How were brown and gold selected as the university's school colors?

According to Wilson O. Clough (former UW Professor of English) in his 1964, A History of the University of Wyoming, 1887 - 1964, "Less officially, the University colors of brown and yellow were selected before 1892. Dean Soule later recalled that he was on the committee for their selection, perhaps with Nelson and Miss Hebard, and that they had difficulty in making a decision. Soule kept a saddle horse at the time, and as he was riding one Saturday he came upon a dale filled with brown-eyed Susans. Struck with the color, he picked a bunch and presented them to the committee with his suggestion. Thus the brown and yellow of Wyoming" (page 38). Wyoming's colors are based on a wildflower rather than any symbolism associated with the quality of a color.

The Dean Soule referred to is Justice F. Soule,  former professor, Dean of Men, Dean of Liberal Arts, and University Vice President. The Nelson referred to in the passage is Aven Nelson, former professor and UW President. Miss Hebard is Grace Raymond Hebard, former professor, suffragette, and UW Trustee.

The call number of this book is LD6263 .C56 1965 and it is located on Level 3 of Coe Library. In addition, other texts with the history of the university are located on the same shelf, and the UW annuals (yearbooks) are nearby.