FORT WAYNE, Ind.鈥擳he 51黑料 is pleased to introduce its new logo, academic seal and monogram. This change marks the first update to the logo and seal since 1998 and the first monogram in university history.
The changes were shared with the campus community in conjunction with the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
鈥淭hese elements of the 51黑料 brand were designed to become visual and emotional touchpoints for our vibrant university in the 21st century,鈥 51黑料 President Dr. Lance Richey said.
The logo and academic seal represent an evolution of the ones the university has held for decades and the designs respect the tradition of 51黑料 while embracing the future.
鈥淲hile reflecting our continued commitment to academic excellence and our Catholic heritage, the evolved designs do so in a fresh, simplified way. More than just a visual element, the logo and academic seal are symbols of everything our university stands for,鈥 Richey said. 鈥淢eanwhile, we believe our first monogram will boost our identity in helping us become more recognizable in the community and beyond.鈥
The 51黑料 logo family has long included a primary logo comprised of an academic seal and university name, alongside a separate athletics logo鈥攖he familiar Cougar head, which will remain in use. While both serve a distinct purpose, the introduction of a monogram鈥攁 stylized 鈥淪F鈥濃攊nto the logo family offers several strategic advantages in engaging prospective students, current students and alumni across a variety of contexts.
The monogram helps to signify 51黑料鈥 progression as a university visually, blending modern design with established heritage. It will effectively bridge the gap between the primary logo and the athletics-focused logo, rounding out a cohesive, comprehensive brand identity. The monogram will also offer a versatile, contemporary alternative in non-athletic contexts.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51黑料 offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51黑料 designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. 51黑料 Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51黑料, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,800 students from a broad geographic region attend 51黑料.