University Of Windsor Unveils New Logo

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The University of Windsor has unveiled a new logo just in time for its 50th anniversary.

The new logo uses a traditional shield with three chevrons (V-shaped pattern) as first established in the University’s 1964 coat-of-arms and within the chevrons are a fleur-de-lis, maple leaf, and lily with wings.

The University says these three icons were also present on the University’s first coat-of-arms and that the fleur-de-lis alludes to the historic origin of the seat of the University and its 1700s French heritage.

The University says the shield shape has been modernized with a rounded top and corners and it helps to echo the shield used for Lancer athletic teams. According to the University, the five blue fields contained within the shield can also be seen as representing the five founding colleges: Assumption, Essex, Canterbury, Holy Redeemer and Iona.

The University says:

The University of Windsor “W” commands centre stage, and its strength is the foundation of our visual identity.

The bands of blue and gold—or the “bridge”—that is woven through the “W”, serve as a reminder of the Ambassador Bridge and our unique location on an international border. The bridge also represents the educational pathway of UWindsor students, and the relationships they forge with our faculty and staff, fellow students, and, after graduation, as alumni with their alma mater.

The shield uses the traditional blue and gold colours that have been associated with the University since its founding. They were previously associated with Assumption University and are the traditional colours of the Lancer athletic teams.

Blue symbolizes water, calling to attention the University’s location in a community bordered by waterways: the Detroit River and Lakes Erie and St. Clair. White is the color in Western culture most often associated with beginnings and the new, making it most appropriate for use in the visual symbol of an institution of learning, creativity and discovery.

The wordmark is set in DIN a clean, simple and modern font. The use of a sans-serif, modern font balances the traditional feel of the shield. The words “University” and “Windsor” are weighted equally with the idea that who we are is as important as where we are. The wordmark is dark grey, a more approachable option than black and a link to our current logo.

The University spent two years developing the new logo, conducting 21 focus groups with a total of 227 people representing future students, alumni, faculty and staff, community members and marketing professionals.

They say the total cost of the internal development was approximately $14,000, the majority of which paid for focus group sessions of 30 senior high school students in Toronto, held in a professional research setting.