Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, adopted the Saints nickname for its intercollegiate athletics program when the program launched in the 1972-1973 academic year. Blue, gold, and white were selected as the school colors at that time, and a Saint Bernard dog was chosen as the mascot.[1] The athletics teams competed under the Limestone College name until the institution became Limestone University on July 1, 2020.[2]
Design and History
The Saints athletics logo is known as the “Fast Fleur,” a stylized version of the fleur-de-lis rendered in the program’s blue, gold, and white color scheme.[3] The fleur-de-lis has been a recurring symbol in Saints branding, appearing on team merchandise as early as 2009.[4]
When Limestone College changed its name to Limestone University on July 1, 2020, the institution unveiled a new university logo that kept the traditional school colors of blue and gold the same.[2] The new university mark incorporated the Curtis Building, its cupola, and the “1845” inscription as prominent fixtures, with the shield shape of the logo representing the “U” in university.[1] The primary colors of the new logo remained Limestone’s iconic blue and gold, while a mid-tone blue accent was added as a complementary branding element, giving the logo three distinct colors equivalent to those used in the athletics “Fast Fleur” logo.[2]
Typography and Design
The typography in the 2020 university logo for the word “Limestone” utilizes a traditional font that speaks to the school’s heritage and culture, while the word “University” employs a more modern font intended to update Limestone’s messaging and look and feel.[2]
On April 29, 2025, the Limestone University Board of Trustees voted to discontinue both the on-campus and online programs, leading to the closure of the institution at the end of the spring semester.[1] The university’s athletics programs were discontinued as part of the closure.[5]
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