DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 26, 2023) — St Ambrose University (SAU) proudly unveiled a revitalized institutional logo today in the first stage of its new brand and visual identity rollout.
Drawing inspiration from the institution’s 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 anchored in the university’s heritage.
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, a landmark of SAU’s campus. 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 University 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."
In 2022, SAU 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. The logo unveiling is the product of several iterations of creative brand work and logo development.
This new institutional logo does not replace or change the familiar Fighting Bees athletics logo. As the first of many exciting updates to the institution’s new visual identity system, SAU looks forward to inviting the campus community and beyond to participate in its brand evolution.
For more information about St Ambrose University, visit sau.edu.
About St Ambrose University
Founded in 1882 by the Diocese of Davenport, St Ambrose University’s commitment to academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice, and service is rooted in its Catholic intellectual tradition. The leading, private university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than sixty undergraduate majors, eleven Master’s degrees, and three doctoral programs. One-hundred and thirty years since its inception, St Ambrose education remains centered on intentional, holistic, and experiential learning to develop high-impact world shapers in every field. To learn more about St Ambrose University, visit sau.edu.
