UNH Logo PNG
The UNH logo symbolizes a university environment that unites the sciences and humanities. It emphasizes academic rigor, a research-oriented approach, and dynamic, comprehensive work across various fields of knowledge.
The University of New Hampshire began on July 7, 1866, when Governor Frederick Smyth signed a charter establishing the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. Classes started two years later on the campus of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. The institution’s first building, Culver Hall, was funded by a bequest from General David Culver. In 1893, the college relocated to Durham following a substantial inheritance from local businessman Benjamin Thompson.
In the early 20th century, the campus expanded according to a master plan by architect Eric T. Huddleston, which included the addition of women’s dormitories and fraternity houses. In 1923, the institution officially became the University of New Hampshire. As the student population grew in the 1950s, a Student Senate was formed. In 1963, the University System of New Hampshire was established, uniting several educational institutions within the state.
Since the 1980s, the university has held Sea Grant and Space Grant status in partnership with the University of Maine and Dartmouth College. In 2010, Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord became part of UNH. Graduates of the university continue academic work at leading institutions, including Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The University of New Hampshire is represented by athletic teams known as the New Hampshire Wildcats. Under this name, the university’s men’s and women’s teams compete in NCAA college sports.
Meaning and History
What is UNH?
It is a public university in the United States, with a focus on research and innovative programs. The institution is recognized for its expertise in oceanography, business, hospitality, and engineering. Students gain practical experience on the university farm, which is locally renowned for producing popular ice cream. Its athletic teams compete at the elite division level, notably excelling in hockey.
Before 2013
The University of New Hampshire logo used before 2013 expressed respect for the institution’s history through a prominent architectural symbol. The centerpiece featured an elegant illustration of Thompson Hall’s clock tower, viewed from below to emphasize its height and importance to the campus.
The university name appeared on two lines, set in Trajan, a neat serif typeface that symbolizes academic tradition and prestige. The official university color, blue, conveyed trust and institutional pride.
Thompson Hall, built in the late 19th century, became the university’s hallmark, and its presence in the logo highlighted UNH’s historic roots. The overall design was restrained, reflecting the university’s academic reputation.
2013 – today
The University of New Hampshire’s logo, unveiled in December 2013 by the studio Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, was first shown to the public during a men’s university hockey game. Before this, the studio had already worked on branding for companies such as NBC and Mobil, indicating its reputation and experience with large-scale projects.
The main innovation in the symbolism was the introduction of a shield, replacing the previous image of Thompson Hall’s tower. The shield is divided into two halves, white and deep blue. This palette is traditional for the university. A blue letter “N” is placed on the white field, while a white letter “H” appears on the blue half. The letters are closely spaced along the vertical boundary, visually connecting the two parts of the shield.
Next to the emblem is an inscription with the university’s full name, set on two lines. A classic blue serif typeface is used, lending the logo an academic tone. The basis for the “NH” letters in the crest was the Interstate Bold typeface, distinguished by its simplicity.
Font and Colors
The fonts and colors chosen create a deliberate visual identity. The dominant dark blue, Pantone 288, symbolizes intellect, seriousness, and the university’s academic standing. White provides contrast and purity associated with higher education.
Originally, the logo used the elegant serif font Trajan 3 Regular, reflecting sophistication. The current UNH logo employs a different approach, using Interstate Bold or a similar font, such as Glypha Bold. This slab-serif typeface conveys reliability and reflects the university’s modern image.