Harvard Logo PNG
Harvard’s emblem reads, “The University defends the truth.” The emblem shows respect for science, using only proven facts within the university’s walls, and a willingness to stand up for the truth. It evokes a sense of nobility and valor.
Harvard: Brand overview
Harvard, the oldest university since 1636, is the world’s most influential and elite. It is part of the prestigious Ivy League group in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was founded by local authorities and named in honor of the first philanthropist, patron, and philanthropist, John Harvard.
Meaning and History
The famous Harvard shield appeared much later than the university in 1836. It was first presented to the public on September 8, the educational institution’s 200th anniversary celebration. Students then stretched a white banner depicting this knightly equipment element on a large tent.
However, its prototype appeared much earlier. As the story goes, Josiah Quincy, as a student, was studying the university archives and accidentally found a sketch that had lain unclaimed for many years. On it was drawn a shield, which later became the basis of the coat of arms.
What is Harvard?
This is the oldest and most renowned university in America, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which continues to maintain its position as a global leader in academic excellence and intellectual leadership. The university includes numerous world-recognized institutions, such as the Kennedy School of Government, the Law School, the Medical School, the Business School, and the College, offering various educational opportunities. The historic campus in the Harvard Yard area, with Widener Library, numerous research centers, and museums, creates a unique environment for study and research. The university is also known for its rich traditions, including the athletic competitions of the Crimson team in the Ivy League and an active student community with various arts and student clubs.
The emblem received the red color in 1910 under universal student suffrage. At that time, 1,800 people spoke in favor of it. The impetus for the idea was an act by graduate student Charles William Elliott. In 1858, he gave the athletes red armbands to distinguish the university team at a traditional regatta. At the next competition, the head of the university did the same. Thus, the classic purple tie. It is this color that became the basis of the logo.
The symbol of Harvard University is a strict dark red shield surrounded by a large laurel wreath. In the center are three open white books. Each book has four latch locks, two on each side, and 12 of them, according to the number of schools (directions) that make up the university.
On the pages are fragmentary writings of VE, RI, and TAS. This is the university’s motto in Latin, which in translation means “Truth.” The first two syllables are in the two books of the upper row, and the last in the third, located just below, in the narrow part of the shield.
Under the wreath of laurel leaves is a wide white ribbon with the word Harvard. It is executed in thin capital letters. The font, as in the previous inscription, is Garamond. The color of the laurel and book covers is dark gold. All components of the logo are outlined with a thin black line.
The shield image is also used as the emblem of each of the 12 student campuses, the so-called houses. They differ only in color and a set of central elements.
Font and Colors
Harvard’s emblem is in the Garamond font. Thin, elongated letters with serifs look very harmonious against the background of the heraldic shield and unwound ribbon. The letter “R” has a gracefully exposed foot, and “V” repeats the Latin sign of victory.
For the famous educational institution’s logo, a combination of red (shield), black (lettering, frames, border), and gold (laurel wreath, book covers) colors was chosen almost from the beginning. The color and font have never changed since the university’s symbolism was approved.