In its most basic form, a mark or logo serves as a simple signature for an organization. It is a readily identifiable symbol that visually represents the organization to the numerous publics it serves. As the organization becomes more complex, the mark serves to link varying entities and to present a common image for diverse programs. In this way, the mark allows the prestige of one program to promote another and create an image for the organization which is larger than that of the individual units themselves.
Higher education is no exception.
Particularly for an organization the size of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, presenting a unified image is crucial. Because Illinois competes with thousands of other universities for some of the nation's top students and faculty members, research funds, and donor gifts, we must keep our name recognition and visibility among the top in the nation. Since the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has operated for several years without a mark for the campus, it was imperative to remedy the situation. In 1997, the Office of Publications and Marketing was asked to respond to this challenge. The resulting design solution packages the university's excellence, representing the tradition, energy, and integrity of a world-class university.