Introducing a modern way to tell a timeless story.
 

Consider the acorn: Small. Humble. Full of potential.

Now… The Oak Tree: Mighty. Majestic. The Promise of Potential Realized.

We have spent the last two years thinking a lot about the acorn and the oak. One reason is that they are cherished symbols for our University—metaphors for the journey our students take from the moment they arrive on campus as first-year undergraduates, to the moment they join the ranks of our alumni family.

And that brings us to the acorn and the oak leaf. Adorning the cross, these two symbols are both literal and figurative. On the one hand, they represent the majestic 100-year old oak trees that adorn the University campus. More significantly, the acorn and the oak leaf are symbolic of our students’ present and future journeys as life-long learners, growing in knowledge, wisdom and truth, enduring with strength.

Anderson University President Evans Whitaker often explains the symbolism of the acorn and the oak with an ancient proverb: “Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow.”

It is that beautifully succinct phrase that served as our foundation. With the support and encouragement of the Anderson University Board of Trust and our President Dr. Whitaker, we are providing a new visual identity for the University.

Consider the acorn: Small. Humble. Full of potential.
Now… the oak tree: Mighty. Majestic. The promise of potential realized.

It is the first comprehensive rebranding since 2006. And it all starts with the acorn. And the oak.

Since its foundation in 1911, the story of Anderson University has been one of Great Academics, Great Faith, Great Purpose and Great Hospitality. Those foundational pillars are represented in our former brand identity that is both beloved and that has stood the test of time.

Make no mistake: The pillars upon which the University was built and continues to grow has not—and will not— change, says Senior Vice President of Administration and Brand Omar Rashed.

“We often talk about the four pillars of distinction and how they inform everything we do as a campus community. Academically we are comprehensive and entrepreneurial, and we provide a rigorous learning environment. Of course, faith is central to who we are as well; we are committed to the spiritual growth of our students and our faculty and staff,” Rashed says.

“Great Hospitality speaks to the pride we have in providing a warm, supportive environment, and Great Purpose is all about helping our family members find the unique call on their lives,” he says. “Those foundational values remain even as we seek a new, creative way to present ourselves locally, regionally and globally.”

The new Anderson University logo consists of updated typography that is clearer. It has a more modern look and feel, but holds true to the University’s status as a well-respected institution known as one of the top Christian universities in the nation.

Our new shield was developed with instruction from the Board of Trust that it be in keeping with the standards of heraldry, a discipline relating to the design, display, and study of armorial bearings. Developed in mideval Europe, heraldry has its own words for colors. The shield features with the gospel truth of Solus Christus, represented by the cross. The cross’s position in the background of the oak leaf and acorn symbolizes Christ as the foundation upon which everything about the University firmly rests. Solus Christus, Latin for “Christ Alone” is one of five solas, key tenants of the Protestant Reformation. It emphasizes that salvation is found solely through personal faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice on the cross as opposed to good works, religious rituals or any other means. It professes our Christian faith, reinforcing our Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Values and Statement of Faith. That sacred symbol is central to our identity and makes clear that Anderson University is a community that is intentionally centered on Christ. The cross introduces the heraldic tincture of “gules” into the University’s official colors. Since the 12th century gules denotes red, but not just any red. Gules is a specific tincture that can be reproduced with accuracy. In Anderson’s application, gules symbolizes the blood of Jesus. See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraldry and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tincture_(heraldry)
 

And that brings us to the acorn and the oak leaf. Adorning the cross, these two symbols are both literal and figurative. On the one hand, they represent the majestic 100-year old oak trees that adorn the University campus. More significantly, the acorn and the oak leaf are symbolic of our students’ present and future journeys as life-long learners, growing in knowledge, wisdom and truth, enduring with strength.

“We are very excited about our new brand identity and our entire campus community—faculty, staff and students—are embracing this visual representation of what Anderson University is, what we stand for as a family and what the future holds for this place we all love so dearly,” Rashed said.