The university was the creation of three brothers in the early 1970s, who printed T-shirts with an "official" school crest.
The word "Okoboji" refers to several lakes, and to the town of Okoboji, in the Iowa Great Lakes region that are popular recreational destinations.
[1] The university is home of the "undefeated" Fighting Phantoms.
It is common among those alumni to display university decor, such as car decals and T-shirts to show their proudness from attending the University.
The name is now used in connection with several annual fund-raising events for charity, including bike rides, a marathon, and a winter games competition.