University of Manitoba Reveals New Logo Design
The University of Manitoba has unveiled a new logo, which the Canadian educational institute says is the first step in its brand evolution.
Over 7,000 students, faculty, alumni, donours and community partners are said to have been involved in the development of the new logo design, including many who participated in brand focus group sessions held across Manitoba, as well as in Calgary and Toronto.
“Reimagining the University of Manitoba logo was a bold step—and an exciting one,” says John Kearsey, vice-president of external relations, and chair of the university’s specially formed Brand Advisory Council. “As the new brand reveals itself in small and big ways, we’ll be sharing with the world a new chapter in our evolving story.”
“In our brand sessions, we kept hearing how our existing logo didn’t reflect who we are in 2019 or who we want to be,” adds Dr. Catherine Cook, who serves as Vice-Dean of Indigenous Health at the university’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “This logo captures a new voice for our university but it’s one that’s made up of many, many voices and perspectives.”
“It tells the story of where we came from and it tells the story of where we can go,” further explains Ruth Shead, coordinator of Indigenous Achievement at the university. “I had the opportunity to share some of the indigenous design principles that were developed by indigenous community members and leaders from across this province.”
Shead says the logo tells an important story of indigenous ways of learning, for example, the flame represents oral teachings shared around a fire.
Additionally, a bison, which is perhaps the archetypal symbol of indigenous identity, is seen climbing up a hill, “pushing progress forward”.
“She’s undaunted by challenge,” notes the university’s Students’ Union president, Jakob Sanderson. “[It’s] such a central figure in this province and who we are”.
Other key elements of the logo include flowing blue forms at the top that represent not only the sky but also “pages in a book”. A gold section at the bottom is further claimed to represent the Manitoba prairie landscape.
Source: University of Manitoba
