Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks Logo PNG
The Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks logo combines the elegance and inner strength of a small bird, a formidable predator in the state’s natural environment. The emblem conveys that the team understands it’s not about numbers or size. A small town and small teams do not prevent players from achieving prominent positions in competitions.
The Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks trace their history to 1886, when the Methodist Episcopal Church founded Delaware Conference Academy in Princess Anne, Maryland, to educate African American students. The school came under state control in 1915, entered the University of Maryland system in 1948, and adopted the University of Maryland Eastern Shore name in 1970.
UMES spent decades competing within HBCU athletics before joining the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 1970. Howard University, North Carolina A&T, and Norfolk State became regular rivals. Men’s basketball reached its leading season in 1973-74 under coach Elmer “Ollie” Jones, finishing 27-1 and earning an invitation to the NIT.
The Hawks became the first historically Black university to appear in that tournament. They defeated Manhattan College 84-81 at Madison Square Garden before losing to Jacksonville. In 1974, the team added another national postseason appearance and helped place the program within the broader college basketball record.
Women’s bowling later produced the university’s major championships. Under Sharon Brummell, the Lady Hawks defeated Arkansas State 4-2 for the NCAA title in 2008, the first national crown in school and MEAC history. UMES won again in 2011 and 2012, beating Fairleigh Dickinson 4-2 in the latter final. The 2011 team also captured the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships, becoming the first college bowling program to win two national titles in one season.
Meaning and History
What is Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks?
These teams from the University of Maryland compete in the “Middle East Athletic Conference”. Based in “Prince Ann”, Maryland, they wear burgundy and gray. The teams stand out for their bowling and basketball performances, showcasing the potential of athletes from across the state.
1991 – 2007
The updated emblem features a hawk, meticulously drawn in pencil technique, diving dynamically toward its prey. In the background, the sun, shaped as a circle, provides a contrasting backdrop for the predator. At the bottom, the university’s abbreviation, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is displayed. The first and last letters are highlighted in larger sizes, giving the composition clarity and balance. The entire emblem is rendered in a black-and-white color scheme, with the abbreviation emphasized in a deep, rich black, enhancing its visual impact and complementing the overall design.
2007 – 2022
The emblem features a large hawk’s head rendered in shades of gray and maroon. It dominates the composition, leaving a strong impression with its bold and expressive appearance. The bird is depicted with an open beak, evoking a loud, awe-inspiring cry.
The hawk occupies the central position in the design, emphasizing strength and determination. Its placement and proportions make the image memorable, creating a sense of vigilance and control and reinforcing an impression of confidence and power.
2022 – today
The logo featuring a hawk presents a refined graphic design. The bird in flight, with elegantly outstretched wings, creates a visual effect of lightness and dynamism. Below the image is the university’s full name, rendered in light gray uppercase letters, giving the text a restrained, modern appearance.
Under the wing on the left is the abbreviation “HBCU,” standing for “Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” This element reflects the institution’s mission and its role in educating Black students during the era before integration.
Next to the abbreviation is the university’s founding year, adding historical depth to the logo. The visual combination of elements highlights the university’s educational contributions and connection to the state’s history.