East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s athletic teams, known as the Warriors since 1932, compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The university’s current athletic logo, launched in January 2017, features a forward-facing warrior figure emerging from a banner shape, a design that earned recognition in the LogoLounge Book 10 competition.
Design and History
ESU unveiled its new institutional and athletic logos on January 17, 2017, following a three-year branding initiative. The university hired Pottsville, Pennsylvania-based design firm Joe Bosack & Co. in September 2015 to conduct research and develop a marketing plan and brand platform. The firm was responsible for creating ESU’s new look, including the athletic mark.[1][2]
The new athletic logo replaced a visual identity that had been limited for roughly two decades. ESU had retired all Native American imagery in compliance with NCAA requirements, leaving the Warriors without a strong athletic mark during that period.[1] Prior to the 2017 redesign, ESU sports teams had long used images of Spartan-esque helmets. In June 2016, the university retired “Burgy,” its mascot of eight years, a Warrior bear.[3]
The athletic logo shares the same banner shape and color palette as the university’s new institutional logo, which was described as a bold, updated version of the previous mark.[4][5] The institutional and athletic marks were designed to complement one another in shape, using similar typography and a common color palette.[6]
In July 2017, the athletic logo was selected as a winner in the LogoLounge competition, which drew nearly 40,000 submissions judged by a panel of 10 designers. The mark was included in the printed LogoLounge Book 10 and its digital edition.[1]
Meaning and Symbolism
The banner shape, similar to banners displayed during commencement ceremonies, signifies ESU as a leader in education.[7] The banner is formed by three flat shapes, two of which overlap to create a “mountain” effect.[3]
The athletic logo reveals an individual eager to champion ESU, giving athletes, coaches and fans options to support their teams.[7] Joe Bosack, president of the design firm, described the mark as a contemporary example of a distinctive, bold athletics identity that communicates strength, determination and the aspirations of ESU’s student-athletes and community.[1]
The colors of the design are red, black, silver and white, reflective of the campus community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.[7] Multiple versions of the athletic mark are available for merchandise across ESU’s color palette of black, red and silver.[1]
Typography and Design
The new institutional logo aligns with the new athletic logo in shape, color and typography.[6] The athletic mark features a warrior figure in a suit of armor emerging from the banner shape.[8] The design was created by Joe Bosack & Co., based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.[1]
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