Temple University Logo PNG
The Temple University logo contains a symbol stylized as the letter “T,” precisely the same as the Temple Owls sports teams used. The open gaps in the letter symbolize the unlimited exchange of ideas that underlie education.
Temple University: Brand overview
Temple University was founded by Baptist minister Russell Herman Conwell, who aimed to make higher education accessible to the working class. In 1888, he organized evening classes in the basement of the Temple Baptist Church in Philadelphia to provide educational opportunities for residents employed in factories and workshops. Conwell’s drive for social equity was rooted in personal experience—he had faced humiliation from wealthier students while trying to enroll at Yale. Originally called Temple College of Philadelphia, the institution became known as Temple University in 1907. Its early development was supported by proceeds from Conwell’s widely known lecture “Acres of Diamonds,” which helped the university overcome financial difficulties and establish a foundation for long-term growth. After World War II, the school saw a surge in enrollment from veterans under the GI Bill, leading to campus expansion. During the 1960s and 1970s, Temple strengthened its communications and arts programs, and in the following decades, it launched international campuses in Tokyo and Rome. Today, TU is a leading public research university offering over 600 academic programs across 17 schools and colleges. Its official colors—white and cherry—are reflected in its visual identity and the branding of its athletic teams, the Temple Owls.
Meaning and History
What is Temple University?
Temple University is a higher education institution in Philadelphia. It was opened in 1884 and was initially called the Baptist Temple because its first classes were held in the basement of a church. Now, it owns several campuses, including international ones in Italy and Japan. Subjects related to art, engineering, hotel business, sports, medicine, pedagogy, jurisprudence, architecture, and other professional fields are taught there.
before 2012
2012 – 2014
2014 – 2019
The Temple University logo has a stylized symbol and a text block. The graphic element features a deep cherry-red rectangle with a “T” formed through negative space, defined by white lines. This design echoes motifs from ancient Greek ornamentation. The symbol was created by students from the graphic and design program at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture and first appeared in official university materials in 1983, marking the institution’s centennial.
The typographic portion is organized across two levels to the symbol’s right. The top line displays the word “TEMPLE” in Minion Semibold, a serif typeface with moderate stroke contrast and clean detailing. The lower line reads “UNIVERSITY,” in the geometric sans-serif Gotham Book. While the upper word is notably larger, both lines are visually aligned through adjusted spacing, maintaining structural balance. The university’s official seal includes contrasting typefaces with sharp serifs and defined lines, lending it a formal and authoritative look.
The emblem uses a rich red tone (PMS 201, HEX #9d2235), aligning with the institution’s heritage and visual identity. The central “T” remains white in all formats, while other design elements are rendered in black. Black text ensures clarity and adaptability, making the logo consistent and functional across varied applications. The design’s high contrast and precise geometry result in a professional presence that holds up in any context.
2019 – today
The Seal
Temple University’s seal is intended for awards, diplomas, and official documents. Unlike the logo, it contains an image of an ancient building related to TU’s historical heritage. A high gable roof with protrusions, numerous columns, and a base with three long steps give the structure a solemn appearance. At the bottom is a laurel wreath – a symbol of triumph, perfection, and victory. Graphic elements are placed in a circle with the inscriptions “INCORPORATED MAY 12, 1888” and “PERSEVERANTIA VINCIT.” 1988 was the year when the educational institution received its official name, Temple College of Philadelphia.
All of the above elements are in a white circle with a wide frame with text. It contains the name of Temple University and the phrase “Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education,” separated on both sides by two bold dots.
The university traditionally uses a logo with the letter “T” and a seal with a building image, which speaks of its conservative attitude towards graphic symbols. This is because any changes in the identity of a university with a century-and-a-half history should be minimal. Even the “T,” created in 1983, appeared because it represents free communication between participants in the educational process.
Font and Colors
The typography blends two distinct styles. The first is a refined serif typeface with a formal presence, similar to Times Europa Bold. The second is a clean, modern sans-serif font with a minimalist structure and balanced proportions, closely aligned with Neue Haas Grotesk Text Pro Medium. The contrast between the two creates a visual dialogue between tradition and progress, linking the university’s legacy with its evolving academic environment.
The deep maroon color of Temple University’s logo conveys the institution’s stability and authority. It reflects a commitment to academic rigor while capturing the energy of student life. The tone represents more than formality—it embodies a passion for learning rooted in a long-standing educational tradition.