University Introduces New Logos

To reflect the dynamic place George Mason has become, the university unveiled its new logo this fall. The new logo replaces the previous logo of the university's name with a bar over it, which was designed in 1982.

“The design challenge was to capture the distinctive dual nature of George Mason—that of a university committed to the kind of educational excellence found at the best traditional universities but within an extraordinary culture of innovation and diversity,” says Helen Ackerman, MA English '86, vice president for university relations at Mason, who led the university committee charged with developing a new logo.

Designed by Grafik, a marketing and communications firm, the new logo was inspired by statesman George Mason, who was committed to traditional values but at the same time was a revolutionary. “To symbolize George Mason, [Grafik] selected as the logo graphic the quill, which is also used on the university's seal. But they transformed it into something contemporary, harder edged, that also portrays a flame and a sense of movement and energy that truly represent the university,” says Ackerman. “For the university's name, they used a combination of typefaces that suggests the diversity of our campuses.”

Grafik conducted extensive research before completing the design. For more than a year, the company reviewed the logos of all the university's competitors, interviewed a number of people on and off campus, took a campus tour, and reviewed university publications and the web site. President Alan Merten chose the final design.

Grafik also designed the Athletics Department's new logo, which too was unveiled this fall. Complementing the university's new design, Athletics' new design embodies the speed, strength, excitement, and energy of Mason athletics. The new logo is not a complete departure from the old one but is in a sense a restructuring of a classic design.

“We've had a soft launch of the logo to the campus and the community this summer and have received a lot of positive feedback,” says Assistant Vice President and Athletic Director Tom O'Connor. “We look forward to displaying the new look on our athletic teams and promoting the pride of Mason athletics campuswide.”