St. Ambrose University Unveils New Logo as Part of Refreshed Visual Identity

In 2022, St. Ambrose University initiated a thorough revitalization of its university brand in collaboration with SimpsonScarborough, a renowned agency specializing in integrated branding and marketing for higher education. This endeavor, driven by extensive research and community involvement, is now materializing through the development of a new visual identity system and messaging for institutional communication and marketing. We are thrilled to unveil the initial representation of this new visual identity-a revitalized institutional logo.

The new logo is comprised of two parts: 

• Logomark - The graphical element is a shield with three crosses and three bees. This visual image echoes a similar panel of stained glass from Christ the King Chapel. Designed by Anton Wendling from the University of Aachen, the windows were installed between 1953-1954. Inspiration for the shield also came from the university mace, the ceremonial staff used during formal university events such as commencements and convocations.
• Wordmark - The new wordmark is crafted in a variation of the Trajan font found in the works of Rev. Edward M. Catich, founder of the St. Ambrose Art Department in 1939 and a world-renowned calligrapher, stone incisor, and artist.

"The new logo and wordmark, specifically the inclusion of the bee, hive, cross and Trajan serif print, reflect our unique position as the only university named after St. Ambrose of Milan and recognizes the exemplary artistic contributions of the late Fr. Edward Catich," said SAU President, Amy C. Novak, EdD. "This new logo adds a level of sophistication to our branding and better reflects our emerging work on mission, vision, and values." 

The unveiling is the product of several iterations of creative brand work and logo development. Drawing inspiration from our rich legacy and boundless future, the new logo, which is a product of input from various campus stakeholders, pays homage to SAU's Catholic tradition and Ambrosian past while embracing a future of possibilities.  When combined, the new institutional logo creates a distinctly Ambrosian symbol for the new university branding inspired by campus architecture and heritage.

 This new institutional logo does not replace or change the Fighting Bees athletics logo. As the full move to the new visual identity system continues, SAU Communications & Marketing will inform the campus of updates.