The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are the athletic teams of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The university’s official colors are vermilion and white, a combination the school states is unique among universities, as it is the only one to claim vermilion as an official color.[1] The term “Ragin’ Cajuns” and the university’s fleur-de-lis are federally protected marks.[2]
Design and History
The “Ragin’ Cajuns” nickname dates to the early 1960s. Coach Russ Faulkinberry called his team the “Raging Cajuns” to fire up the football squad, and Sports Information Director Bob Henderson adopted the name to honor the team’s Cajun heritage. The Bulldogs nickname was replaced in 1962, and the name was soon shortened to “Ragin’ Cajuns.”[3]
The university’s athletic logos have incorporated a pepper as the apostrophe in “Ragin’,” a design element that also inspired the Cayenne mascot.[3] The pepper references a staple of Cajun cuisine and culture.[4]
The current primary athletics mark is a “RAGIN’ CAJUNS” wordmark in vermilion, white, and black. This wordmark debuted in 1999 and became the primary athletics mark in 2018.[5] Before 2018, the primary logo was a circular emblem featuring an arched “LOUISIANA RAGIN’ CAJUNS” wordmark surrounding a fleur-de-lis on flames in vermilion, orange, and silver.[6]
Meaning and Symbolism
The fleur-de-lis has been used in the university’s insignia since the 1920s, signifying the region’s French heritage.[7] The university secured federal protection for its fleur-de-lis logo based on the logo’s unique shape and shading.[2]
The university’s official colors, vermilion and white, have remained constant through four institutional name changes.[8] Athletics media guides list the colors as Vermilion (PMS 193) and White.[9]
Typography and Design
The university’s branding is managed through its Office of Communications and Marketing, which provides a brand guide and graphic standards for correct usage of the university’s name and logos.[10] University logos are protected by trademarks and federal registrations, and marks cannot be altered or modified in any manner.[11]
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