Tulane University Logo PNG
The Tulane University logo and seal were created in different eras but share a central element, a heraldic shield. The emblem has a complex, intricate shape and is the basis for the monogram of the letters “TU.” On the seal, a triangular shield depicts symbols of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.
Tulane University began in New Orleans during a period marked by epidemics. On September 28, 1834, the New Orleans Bee announced the opening of the Medical College of Louisiana, founded by seven young doctors. The city, then home to about 58,000 people, faced repeated outbreaks of yellow fever, cholera, and smallpox. In 1847, the Louisiana legislature added law studies and renamed it the University of Louisiana.
The Civil War closed the university in 1861, and classes resumed in 1865. A turning point came in 1882, when Paul Tulane, who had made his fortune through Paul Tulane & Co., donated $363,000 to create an educational fund. On June 4, 1884, the University of Louisiana became Tulane University of Louisiana, a private nonsectarian institution. In 1885, graduate studies opened.
In 1886, Josephine Louise Newcomb donated over $3.6 million to create H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College in memory of her daughter. In 1894, Tulane moved to its Uptown campus on St. Charles Avenue and organized a technology college, later linked to engineering. Richardson Memorial Hall opened in 1908, the School of Social Work followed in 1927, and the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine was formally established in 1967.
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced Tulane to close for the second time in its history. Damage exceeded $900 million; the medical school moved classes to Houston for 2005-2006; and around 2,000 employees lost their jobs. The Renewal Plan merged Newcomb College into Newcomb-Tulane College and cut some engineering programs. Tulane reopened on January 17, 2006. The Tulane Green Wave played all 2005 home games at a neutral site after damage to the Louisiana Superdome, while LSU and the University of New Orleans remained key state rivals.
Meaning and History
The university’s motto, non sibi, sed suis, speaks to the aspiration to improve the quality of life in society. It is represented on the seal, which appears on the flag, diplomas, and official documents. In other cases, the logo is used with a wordmark and an emblem, either as a shield or as a monogram.
1834 – today
The Tulane University logo reflects the institution’s heritage by combining traditional elements with a clean, contemporary structure. At the shield’s center are the interlocking letters “T” and “U,” layered to form a unified, solid composition. The “T,” placed in the foreground, appears more prominent thanks to its bold white strokes and subtle outline, which distinguish it from the dark green background.
The shield is framed by a double border in white and black, adding clarity and contrast to the emblem without overpowering the central figures. The university’s name is to the right of the shield, set in two lines. The text uses a serif typeface in a rich green tone that matches the emblem’s color. The font balances formality and softness, with smooth curves and defined ends that give the lettering a sense of rhythm.
Altogether, the elements form a cohesive visual identity that reflects Tulane’s academic legacy while maintaining a current, energetic tone. The logo carries the weight of history and the presence of a modern university with confidence and restraint.
What is Tulane University?
Tulane University of Louisiana is a higher education institution in New Orleans, one of the best in the United States. Shortly after its establishment in 1834, it was a public institution called the Medical College of Louisiana. But in 1884, control of the educational institution passed to the Tulane Educational Fund, established through the donations of businessman Paul Tulane. It was then that Tulane University received its current name.
The Seal
Unlike the logo, the university seal is intended for special occasions. It can be seen at official events, on documents and diplomas, on the institution’s flag, and above the entrance to the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library. The main element of the seal is a triangular heraldic shield with a narrow top. It is divided into four segments, red and black, arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
In the red quarters, light gray crescents are depicted, with their “horns” directed upwards, complemented by small yellow five-pointed stars on the right and left. These signs were taken from the coat of arms of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the man who founded New Orleans. The red-gray stripe, drawn directly above the shield, symbolizes the famous cloak of Bienville. In the black segments, there are three gray towers. They are borrowed from the coat of arms of the French city of Tours, where Sieur de Bienville was born.
On the folded cloak sits a light-brown pelican. It is in the nest, along with three chicks. This bird is the official symbol of Louisiana and is depicted on the state seal. According to legend, it pecks at its breast to feed its young with its blood. The image of the mother pelican embodies Christian mercy and reflects the motto “non sibi, sed suis,” written on a white ribbon in the lower half of the seal.
“Not for oneself, but for one’s own,” is the main principle of Tulane University’s work. The Latin inscription is set in a contrasting serif font. It is separated by the number “1834”, which marks the year the Medical College of Louisiana was founded, giving rise to the modern educational institution. The ribbon adorns an olive-green protrusion at the bottom of the shield. The same protrusion serves as the base for the pelican at the top. The seal has a light blue frame with a wide brown outline. There, the university’s full name is written in large letters.
The seal, logo, emblem, and monogram are the foundation of Tulane University’s visual identity. The system of symbols is built on the institution’s rich historical heritage, dating to 1834, as well as on its native city, New Orleans, and the state of Louisiana.
Font and Colors
The university’s logo uses a serif typeface reminiscent of Times New Roman or Garamond, with custom adjustments and distinct characteristics. The letterforms are smooth and well-proportioned, with gently curved edges that create a sense of balance and tradition. The overall style of the text feels composed and formal, reinforcing the institution’s historical foundation. Each letter has subtle differences in stroke width, giving the typography a natural, expressive quality.
The primary color is a muted green with an olive undertone, evoking associations with natural calm and freshness. The choice of green reflects the university’s connection to Louisiana’s environment and cultural roots. Alongside green, the university’s official visual elements incorporate additional tones: refined grays, deep blue, red, yellow, and dark brown. This broader palette adds richness and depth to the university’s coat of arms, offering visual variety while preserving a disciplined, dignified appearance.