Oregon State University Logo PNG
The Oregon State University logo introduces the user to the peculiarities of the region in which the university is located. The emblem contains all the identification marks that characterize the state and indicate the place where the sciences are taught.
Oregon State University: Brand overview
| Founded: | 1868 |
| Headquarters: | Corvallis, Oregon, U.S. |
| Website: | oregonstate.edu |
Meaning and History
Oregon State University is one of the few US universities participating simultaneously in the Land Grant, Sun Grant Association, National Space Grant, and National Sea Grant programs. This means he is engaged in agriculture, conducts ocean research, studies alternative energy sources, and develops the aerospace industry. This versatility is reflected in the logo created in 2017 by Pentagram. The designers looked at the institution’s history and borrowed elements from the seal to easily identify OSU.
What is Oregon State University?
This prestigious public research university in Corvallis, Oregon, is known for its extensive agricultural sciences, engineering, forestry, and oceanography programs. The campus, which combines modern research centers and laboratories with historic red-brick buildings, is situated at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, giving it a distinct charm. The coastal Hatfield Marine Science Center and the university’s research fleet exemplify unique opportunities for marine science research. The university comprises 11 colleges and offers over 200 programs, covering fields such as food science, robotics, and renewable energy. The Beavers athletic teams compete in the Pac-12 Conference, and student life is rich with clubs, organizations, and cultural events, creating a diverse and vibrant environment.
1868 – 2017
The old logo of Oregon State University appeared in 2003. It contained only inscriptions because it was intended primarily for paper media. The entire space was visually divided into two parts. In the left half was the full name of the university: the phrase “OREGON STATE” at the top and the word “UNIVERSITY” just below. The designers took bold black sans serif as a basis and combined letters of different sizes to highlight the first line. The area on the right was reserved for the orange abbreviation “OSU.”
This graphic symbol was used for a long time, but it did not reflect the uniqueness of the educational institution. For example, the abbreviated name OSU simultaneously belonged to two more universities: Oklahoma State University and Ohio State University. So, the initials did not allow for the unmistakable identification of Oregon State University.
2017 – today
In honor of the 150th anniversary, the educational institution updated its identity, for which its owners turned to Pentagram for help. The designers linked the university’s logo with an old presidential seal and the Oregon State Beavers sports team emblem, created in 2013. So, the beaver sitting on the shield became the main symbol of the university. But where did this animal come from? The beaver is featured on one side of the Oregon flag. It is considered the national symbol of the state.
Pentagram employees decided to combine elements from the flag and coat of arms. They ended up with an unusual combination, although they had to remove any “extra” elements, such as a covered wagon, ships, and a bald eagle. According to the designers, the new heraldic shield contains the most important objects: one Pseudotsuga menziesii fir, mountain peaks with three stars, the setting sun, ocean waves, and an open book.
The second part of the OSU logo is the inscription “Oregon State University,” divided into two lines. Bold geometric font and a combination of contrasting colors (black and orange) make the wordmark look like the previous graphic symbol. The text may be on the right or below the coat of arms, but it is forbidden to separate them.
The Seal
The presidential seal is affixed to graduates’ diplomas, found in the university’s official documents, and used in the Office of the Provost and the Office of the President. This symbol is the same as the coat of arms of the state of Oregon, adopted in 1857. OSU approved it as a seal in 1859 when Oregon officially became the 33rd state of the union.
There are a lot of symbolic images in the visual sign. Firstly, it looks like a heraldic shield – a sign that its predecessor was a coat of arms. Secondly, the seal contains many historical metaphors. Above is an eagle, the national bird of America. In the shield’s center is a closed wagon with two oxen harnessed. These are the pioneers who came to the empty lands of Oregon. The place on the right is occupied by a whole artistic composition: a landscape of three trees and a lone elk against the backdrop of mountains. Pseudotsuga menziesii evergreen firs grow in a makeshift “forest.” They represent the picturesque nature of Cascadia. Somewhere behind the mountain, the sun is setting, hinting at the horizon’s western side.
The ocean occupies almost a third of the shield. Two warships—English and American — are sailing on the water. The artists tried to convey the technical excellence of the American ship and presented it as a pursuer. The most important element for OSU is at the bottom. It is a haystack with a plow, representing its connection with the agricultural heritage on the state emblem. The university seal symbolizes the agricultural focus of the institution.
Oregon State University: Interesting Facts
Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Oregon, is a well-known public research university with a long history and many contributions to education, research, and community service.
- History: Founded in 1868 as Corvallis Academy, OSU has evolved from a small college to a major public research university.
- Unique Grants: It’s rare because it has all four grants: Land, Sea, Space, and Sun. This shows OSU’s wide-ranging research and public service commitment in agriculture, oceanography, space, and renewable energy.
- Research: OSU is known for spending over $400 million annually. It leads in forestry, oceanography, robotics, and environmental sciences.
- Global Reach: OSU has a strong international impact, with global research partnerships and students from over 100 countries.
- OSU Ecampus: Its Ecampus is top-ranked in the U.S. and offers over 70 online degree and certificate programs globally.
- Athletics: Competing in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference, OSU is especially proud of its baseball team, which has won several national championships.
- Sustainability: Committed to sustainability, OSU was among the first to earn a gold STARS rating for its achievements in this area.
- Distinguished Alumni: OSU’s alumni include Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes, author Beverly Cleary, astronaut Donald Pettit, and businessman Ken Austin.
- Forestry Program: The College of Forestry is globally recognized, consistently ranking among the best worldwide.
- Innovation District: OSU is creating an Innovation District to boost collaboration with industry and community partners, aiming to drive innovation and economic growth.
Font and Colors
The shield on the logo reflects the university’s participation in four grants. The cosmos is represented by three stars, which simultaneously symbolize the OSU campuses. The sun represents the development of alternative energy sources. The waves link to the National Sea Grant and the tree to the Land Grant. The peaks of the Three Sisters inspire the mountain peaks. A beaver, the mascot of the Oregon State Beavers sports teams and the state’s national animal sits on the heart-shaped shield.
Designers from Pentagram have developed new typography for the OSU logo. It is based on the Roman Newzald, created by the Klim Type Foundry. In addition, the university acquired a changed color scheme during the rebranding process. It consists of Beaver Orange (#D73F09), Bucktooth White (#FFFFFF), and Paddletail Black (#000000).