University of Michigan Logo

University Of Michigan Logo PNG

According to the university, education should be interesting. Therefore, the University of Michigan logo shows students having fun within the institution’s walls. There is a lot of communication here, and they approach solving educational problems creatively.

Meaning and History

Hundreds of schools, faculties, and divisions of the University of Michigan are united by a common visual identification system. It builds on logos (main and horizontal) and traditional printing that has evolved over the centuries. At the same time, the main graphic sign of the educational institution is the so-called Block “M” – a large yellow letter written in bold with rectangular serifs. One of the first Block “M” was laid out with multi-colored flags of football fans in 1907. Since then, this symbol has not changed much, but it became the university’s official logo relatively recently to tie together its disparate parts.

The University of Michigan logo has two versions: vertical and horizontal. The main one is considered vertical and consists of a yellow letter “M” (top), a white two-line inscription “UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN” (bottom), and a blue square (against the background). The horizontal version does not have a square; the text is blue and located one line to the right of the “M.” It is relevant in cases where there is not enough space for a horizontal sign.

What is the University of Michigan?

This is one of the top public research universities in the United States. It is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is known for its extensive curriculum and high academic offerings. Among its 19 colleges and schools, the Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, Medical School, and Law School stand out. The iconic Law Library and “The Big House,” one of the largest football stadiums in the world, showcase the campus’s remarkable neo-Gothic architecture. The rivalry with Ohio State University is considered one of the greatest in college sports, and the Wolverines athletic teams are among the most successful in the Big Ten Conference.

Previously, the sports department only used the capital “M.” It has represented the entire university since the 1960s, taking over most printing functions. The logo itself appeared relatively recently. Until 2002, it was not even published on the official website. Different departments and divisions had different visual symbols based on Block “M.” Simultaneously, no centralized branding system would determine colors and fonts.

In 2011, the educational institution’s administration adopted general design rules to streamline the identity. This made it possible to standardize all the graphic signs at that time. Since then, the logo has featured the Michigan Maize-colored “M” and the university’s name in Victor’s font.

The Seal

The first print version appeared in 1817 at the opening of the University of Michigan. It was not at all what it is now. She, or rather her detailed description, was discovered by the librarian William Wamer Bishop in May 1929. This discovery resolved the dispute regarding the founding date of the educational institution. At that time, the university was believed to be opened in 1837. However, the existence of a seal with the indication of 1817 became decisive in the conflict and allowed 20 years to be added to the age of the school. In addition, all subsequent seals began to write “1817” instead of “1837”.

As far as is known, the earliest version contained the Temple of Wisdom and was used until 1825. The next design has been lost. In 1843, Minerva Seal appeared. Finally, in 1895, the first graphic sign was created with the Lamp of Knowledge, which became the basis for the current version. In the center was an oil lamp standing on a book. They symbolize knowledge, which follows from the name of the lamp. The background for them was a quadrangular heraldic shield with a sharp base. In the background was the sun taken from the coat of arms of the state of Michigan.

Under the shield was a ribbon with the motto “ARTES SCIENTIA VERITAS” in Latin. The circle was in a wide ring with the inscription “UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 1837”. These elements are present in a modern print but have a different color, scale, and design. As is already known, in the 20th century, the university’s founding year was replaced by “1817” because the description of the first symbol of the university resolved the graduates’ dispute. In 1958, the article “THE” was added to the inscription. It is in this form that printing has come down to our times. It contains a blue shield with a yellow lamp against the background of the rising sun with 15 rays. The lamp stands on the book, and a yellow scroll with the motto is unfolded under the bottom.

The use of print is limited. Its main purpose is to certify official university documents, including graduates’ diplomas. In addition, it is found on awards and certificates as small stickers.

Font and Colors

The main symbol of the University of Michigan is Block “M.” It is registered as a trademark and generates huge revenues to finance sports teams. The letter reflects the educational institution’s 200-year heritage and makes it recognizable.

On the Block logo, “M” is complemented by the inscription “UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.” The designers used an elegant Victor’s font with thin serifs. The high contrast between the base and connecting strokes makes the text dynamic. Sharper and elongated serifs distinguish the font on the press.

Since the late 1860s, the university’s official colors have been corn and blue. The second shade gradually changed from azure to dark blue, now known as Michigan Blue (#00274C). He is paired with Michigan Maize (#FFCB05).

umich logo