Cornell University Logo

Cornell University Logo PNG

The fact that the university directs student activity in the right direction says the logo of Cornell University. Teaching is focused on obtaining specialized knowledge, so graduates are the best specialists in their chosen fields of science.

Meaning and History

After the official signing of the decree establishing the university, the search for land suitable for construction began. To erect it, Ezra Cornell, a former senator, provided his farm and $500,000 as a down payment. He invited his friend, historian, and educator, Andrew D. White. He supervised the work and traveled, advertising the future institution and inviting students and faculty. The opening took place in 1868. At that time, it had 412 students enrolled.

Today, Cornell University is famous for the architecture of unusual buildings. Some of them are even included in the list of the most beautiful buildings in the United States. For example, the main campus is characterized by architectural eclecticism: it combines Gothic, Victorian, neoclassical, and modernist styles. Each has several dormitories, tanhouses, classrooms, libraries, and more, creating a comfortable environment for students and faculty.

At the same time, it is a non-profit organization governed by a board of trustees. It includes representatives of not only private but also public structures. In total, there are 64 people. They control all processes. However, the university administration is responsible for the identity. Traditionally, it includes the university seal, emblem, and sports logo.

The university-wide emblem includes a smaller seal. It is identical to the main seal but does not have double outlines – all elements consist of single lines. The structure of the emblem is almost similar to the prototype, as the miniature shields in the upper part have completely different images. One of them shows a dividing stripe; on the other – an angle forming a rhombus. To the right of the badge, some distance away, is the phrase “Cornell University.” It is typewritten. The letters are thin, with needle serifs. The letters “C” and “U” are uppercase, and the rest are lowercase.

The Seal

The seal has a round shape and a complex structure. In the center, there is a quadrangular shield with a sharp base. It is divided into two parts: a rectangle and a flattened triangle. In the upper part, there are two more shields of the same kind: on the right – painted stripes, and on the left – a schematic landscape with the sun, water, a mountain, and a three-masted sailing ship. In the lower part is an open book divided by a vertical stripe into two halves. The main shield is surrounded by a double ring of thin and wide stripes, followed by the name of the university and the year of its appearance. The inscription is in outline hollow font. A double border runs along the edge.

Cornell Big Red Logo

Cornell University in New York has 36 varsity teams and many club sports. They are all part of the Cornell Big Red faculty and compete in NCAA Division I. They primarily compete in the Ivy League, although there are exceptions: some teams are members of the EIWA, MAISA, EAWRC, EARC, NIWFA, ECAC Hockey, and other conferences. The name Cornell Big Red was adopted in 1905 when an alumnus composed an anthem for the players. One line referred to the athletes as the “Big Red team” because of the bright color of their uniforms.

1998 – 2001

The university has no official mascot. Instead, it has an ancient symbol, a bear nicknamed Touchdown. He is depicted on the athletic department’s emblem. From 1998 through 2001, he was depicted in a menacing pose. The wild animal stood with his front paws spread wide and the Cornell Big Red logo draped across his shoulders. The designers worked on the font, choosing the original version with rectangular serifs and black lettering.

2002 – today

In 2002, the old logo was replaced with an alternative design. In its place appeared a storyline drawing of a bear. The animal growls menacingly and looks out from behind the letter “C,” embracing it with two paws. This suggests that the unofficial mascot selflessly protects the team, symbolizing fearlessness and strength. The artists approached the choice of color with special care. They used different shades of brown (for the bear’s fur) and red (for the lettering), complemented by neutral white.

Font and Colors

All three of Cornell University’s main visual identity marks have in common the color red. Two of them also have a circular element with identical content. They differ in the number of lettering: in the printed mark, there are two, while in the academic logo, there is one.

The main font of the university badge is Palatino. This is a classic font with serifs. An additional sans serif variant is called Freight Sans. The main colors of the university are carnelian red and white background.

Cornell University color codes