Like the Ivy League University badge, the Yale logo is very simple. However, small details demonstrate style, while simplicity and conciseness symbolize rigor and a businesslike approach. The emblem makes it clear that training is paramount here.
Yale: Brand overview
Founded: | October 9, 1701 |
Headquarters: | New Haven, Connecticut, United States |
Website: | yale.edu |
Meaning and History
This institution of higher education originated from the Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School, approved by the General Court Colony of Connecticut. This happened in October 1701, intending to train the clergy and secular leadership of the state. The founders included many people, including Samuel Andrew, Samuel Mather, Israel Chauncy, Thomas Buckingham, and many others. James Pierpont headed the group.
The institute was initially based in the home of the first president of Yale University, Abraham Pierson, who lived in Killingworth (now Clinton). Then, the educational institution was moved to Saybrook and later to Wethersfield. In 1716, this educational institution appeared in New Haven, Connecticut State.
To adequately settle in a new place, the priest Cotton Mather, at the insistence of the leadership (the rector of the university, Samuel Andrew, or the governor of the colony, Gurdon Saltonstall), turned to the successful Boston businessman Elihu Yale with a request, to help in the construction of the new building. He, in turn, provided them with nine bales of goods, which were sold for 560 pounds sterling, making it possible to build the main building. At the same time, Cotton Mather proposed to name the university in honor of the sponsor – Yale College.
The Yale University crest comprises three key components of immense importance to the institution. The open book is not only a symbol of enlightenment. Some researchers see in her an image associated with theology and church clergy who founded the university. They assume it is a Bible open to a page with an important message to posterity. The inscription is in Hebrew.
The background of the white and yellow book is a dark blue shield of the correct shape: an even top and a narrowed bottom. Along the edge, it is outlined with a black stripe that runs along the contour. Below is a tape with bifurcated ends and a dictum in Latin, “Lux et Veritas.” This is the motto of the university. Some strings were used to seal paper editions on both sides of the book.
The modern emblem of Yale University contains part of its name—the first word. It is made with classic printed characters—straight lines and miniature serifs. But “A” is different from the usual version. Its central part is not completely round but slightly cut diagonally. “E” has an overly large bottom and a disproportionately small top. The inscription is made in the form of a combination of one uppercase and three lowercase letters.
Yale: Interesting Facts
Yale University, founded in 1701, is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the U.S., known for its deep history, academic excellence, and societal contributions.
- Beginnings: It started as the Collegiate School in Saybrook, Connecticut, and Yale moved to New Haven in 1716 to train clergy and leaders. It was renamed Yale College in 1718 after Elihu Yale, a major benefactor.
- Famous Alumni: Yale’s graduates include U.S. Presidents like George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Supreme Court Justices like Clarence Thomas and Sonia Sotomayor, and leaders in every field, from literature to science.
- Secret Societies: Known for its secret societies like Skull and Bones, Yale has a long tradition of exclusive clubs that include some of the country’s most influential people.
- Research and Academics: Yale is a leader in research. It boasts the first university art gallery in the Western Hemisphere and has significantly contributed to medicine, law, and environmental science.
- Residential Colleges: Adopting a system similar to Oxford and Cambridge, Yale’s residential colleges offer a close-knit community within the larger university, enhancing the student experience.
- D. Milestone: Yale awarded the first Ph.D. in the U.S. in 1861, setting a precedent in graduate education.
- Arts Contribution: Yale is also celebrated for its arts programs, including globally recognized Schools of Drama, Music, and Art. It houses major art collections and actively supports cultural endeavors.
- Sustainability Efforts: Yale is committed to environmental stewardship. It works to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and support sustainable food practices.
- Global Influence: Yale impacts the world through its Yale World Fellows program, international research partnerships, and global centers, preparing students for worldwide leadership.
Yale stands out for its blend of tradition, academic rigor, and dedication to making a difference and shaping leaders and innovators worldwide.
Font and Colors
The identity of the oldest university in the United States contains iconic elements that reflect the history of its origin. But sports symbols are more modern and have nothing to do with legendary images. It is dominated by the bulldog, which appeared thanks to the sports department of Yale Bulldogs. The last logo was nicknamed Y-Dog.
The original typeface is called Yale. It was designed by Matthew Carter, an art professor, using the oldest typeface, De Aetna. Its author is Francesco Griffo, who created the typeface back in 1495. In 2014, the university completely overhauled its typography, and Carter & Cone introduced an updated set of Yale fonts in the OpenType standard. This format has replaced the outdated PostScript Type 1. Now, the family of university typefaces consists of almost 30 variants.
In addition, the school has a color – Yale Blue. It is available in two shades: spot and triad. Introduced in the late 1800s, it is now found in all identity signs. Typically, a logo combines blue with white. Some emblems and coats of arms are also black and yellow.