Boston College Logo PNG
The emblem takes viewers back to its origins, showing that the college has always been under the auspices of the church and the crown. Education in an institution promotes development, teaches you to choose the right path in life, and leads to honors and glory. This is what the Boston College logo is trying to convey.
Boston College: Brand overview
Meaning and History
In 1825, a Jesuit from Maryland named Benedict Joseph Fenwick was appointed the second bishop of Boston. He immediately envisioned the opening of a college that would educate a new generation of leaders to serve the spiritual and civic needs of the diocese. Two years later, the clergyman established the school, setting it up in the basement of the local cathedral. However, his relations with the city’s elite deteriorated because he had to leave the existing school and open the College of the Holy Cross 72 kilometers away in Worcester, Massachusetts.
The concept of establishing a college in Boston was continued by John McElroy, who also saw a great need for it. Having received the administration’s approval, he began the process by raising money to purchase land for construction. In 1857, the minister bought the South End near Boston. The first class appeared in 1859. It was started without much celebration in the two college buildings. Two years later, it was closed for several reasons: disagreements over management, funding, and the outbreak of the Civil War. Boston College officially reopened many years later, in the spring of 1863, after a 30-year hiatus.
What is Boston College?
This distinguished private research university in the Boston suburbs combines modern academic approaches with a Jesuit educational heritage. The university comprises eight specialized schools and colleges, offering a wide range of programs in humanities, law, business, social work, and education. The university is notable for its neo-Gothic architecture, with the iconic Gasson Tower serving as its emblem. Its expansive green campus fosters a conducive learning environment. The university also provides a rich cultural life, including student clubs, art exhibitions, and musical performances. At the same time, its athletic legacy is represented by the Eagles team competing in the prestigious ACC conference.
Interestingly, the institution’s identity does not distinguish between the academic seal and the university-wide logo. To this end, it uses the same emblem based on its historical roots. Its basic elements are artificial and non-man-made objects. The former includes crowns, a shield, and a book; the latter includes the sun and mountains. There is also a divine, higher beginning – a reference to the name Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.
The identity mark is circular—a classic rondel with an accented middle and concentric circles. In the center is a shield divided into two independent zones. At the top of the black rectangle is the sun, with the inscription “IHS,” a cross, and two crowns—the primary symbols of monarchical authority. In the lower area, painted red and pink, are three high mountains and an open book above them. The university motto is written in ancient Greek.
To the right and left of the shield, in the shape of an inverted arch, extends a ribbon with the words “Religioni et Bonis Artibus.” It is placed in a circle ruled by thin horizontal lines. It is followed by a broad border band with the school’s name in Latin and the year of its foundation in Roman numerals. Miniature dots separate inscriptions. A gold ring runs along the outer edge of the seal.
There is also another type of emblem – a more modern one. It shows the main logo of the university, and next to it (on the right) is its name in English – “Boston College.” It occupies two lines and is written in capital letters with long serifs.
Font and Colors
The academic and athletic logos of Boston College share similarities: they both use the same colors. Both use the main colors of the university – gold and burgundy in several shades. However, regarding imagery, the logos are naturally different because they have different applications and concepts.
For the logo lettering, the designers chose Scala, Boston College’s official font since the 1990s. It is based on the humanistic styles of Renaissance typography and emphasizes the university’s Western origins and Roman Catholic roots.
The primary colors of this institution of higher learning are gold and burgundy, with a touch of purple. They are present in all aspects of identity. In addition, they use blue, beige of several kinds, brown, silver, and black.