Elon University, located in Elon, North Carolina, maintains a visual identity built around a maroon-and-gold palette and a set of marks that includes a wordmark, a shield signature, and an “E” monogram. The university’s official colors, maroon and gold, were adopted circa 1910, and the current primary maroon is Pantone 188 with a hex value of #73000a, while the gold is Pantone 872 (metallic) or Pantone 7503 (non-metallic) with a hex value of #b59a57.[1]
Design and History
Elon University’s logos and wordmarks were updated in 2016, marking the first change in more than 15 years. The new system was developed by Elon’s Office of University Communications, with primary work by Garry Graham, associate director of design. A design committee directed a process that began in August 2015 and included input from hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends.[2]
The 2016 update introduced two major additions: a monogram “E” and a leaf shield, which joined the redesigned signature and wordmark.[3] The Elon University signatures combine the wordmark with a shield adopted in 2016. The maroon-and-gold shield includes a stylized flame-leaf icon.[4]
The “E” monogram, also adopted in 2016, is a modern version of the block letter E used throughout Elon’s history, most prominently by the athletics “E Club,” which dates back to the early years of the 20th century. The monogram uses a modified version of the Tautz font that is part of the Phoenix athletics identity.[5]
In August 2026, Elon Athletics unveiled a new visual identity centered on the monogram “E” and the Elon wordmark as primary marks. The update also introduced a redesigned Phoenix mascot, including full-body and head marks, serving as supporting elements of the athletics brand. The redesigned Phoenix draws inspiration from Elon’s original mascot while giving the character a sharper, more athletic appearance.[6]
Elon adopted its athletics marks in 2000 when the Phoenix was chosen as the new mascot, replacing the Fightin’ Christians. The primary graphic symbol created a flying Phoenix formed in the shape of the letter E. SFX Sports Group, an international sports marketing firm based in New York, produced the primary graphic symbol.[7]
Meaning and Symbolism
The flame-leaf icon in the shield carries dual symbolism. Half of the icon is in the shape of an oak leaf, symbolizing the connection to the university’s name; Elon is the Hebrew word for oak, and the college was founded in a grove of stately oak trees in 1889. The other half is made up of flames, symbolizing the historic fire that destroyed Elon’s main building in 1923. The college rose from the ashes of that fire, providing the inspiration for the athletics mascot, the Phoenix. The flame-leaf evokes a spirit of personal growth and transformation.[4]
The Elon University seal, created in 1908 and adopted by the Board of Trustees, includes the Latin words “numen lumen” (spiritual and intellectual light), the university’s motto. The seal features two pillars representing power and strength, a Bible referring to the historical religious foundations of Elon, books representing culture and knowledge, and a lamp and flame representing light. The seal is used only for the most formal applications, such as diplomas and ceremonial documents.[4]
Typography and Design
The Elon University wordmarks are created in the classic Bembo font, which has been used by Elon since the 1990s. Bembo was originally designed in Venice, Italy, in 1495 and revived in 1929. The 2016 update featured the bold version of the Bembo font, with the word Elon in the university’s maroon color.[8][2]
The Tautz font is used for the Phoenix athletics identity and the “E” monogram. The updated athletics marks integrate the flying Phoenix symbol with the words Elon and Phoenix in the Tautz font, which is used on team uniforms and other athletics-related materials.[2]
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
