Harvard Logo
Harvard University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, is currently immersed in providing top-notch education and conducting groundbreaking research. Located in Cambridge, MA, it serves a global student body, focusing on diverse academic fields. Governed by the Harvard Corporation, the university is renowned for its law, business, and medical programs. As a leading educational institution, it continually influences academic trends, catering to students worldwide. Its reputation for excellence in education and research is universally recognized, making it a pivotal entity in the international academic landscape.
Meaning and history
Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the United States’ oldest institution of higher learning, with a history marked by continuous evolution. It was established to train clergy initially, but it rapidly expanded its curriculum in response to growing demands for broader education. Harvard doesn’t have “owners” in the traditional sense, as it is a private, not-for-profit university; it is governed by the President and Fellows of Harvard College (also known as the Harvard Corporation).
Over centuries, Harvard has metamorphosed, becoming a prominent multidisciplinary university. It has fostered innovation and excellence in diverse fields, consistently adapting its curriculum to the evolving needs of the students and the world. The university played a significant role in American history, serving as a hub for intellectual discourse and producing leaders who shaped the nation. Harvard’s transformative journey symbolizes its commitment to knowledge dissemination, research, and societal contribution, retaining its eminent status in the global academic arena. Its commitment to enriching minds has solidified its reputation as a venerable educational beacon, illuminating paths for future generations.
1935 – Today
The iconic Harvard shield wasn’t introduced until 1836, two centuries after the university’s inception. It was unveiled during the bicentennial celebrations on September 8 of that year. The shield, displayed prominently on a sprawling white banner, resembled knightly armor and was based on a sketch found by Josiah Quincy in the university archives, a sketch that had gone unnoticed for years.
This prototype sketch ultimately laid the foundational design for the Harvard coat of arms. However, the red hue, now synonymous with Harvard, was only adopted in 1910, when 1,800 students voted for it. Charles William Elliot, a graduate student, initiated this, giving red armbands to athletes in 1858 to differentiate the university team at a regatta. This adoption of red by the university head at subsequent events eventually birthed the iconic magenta tie, forming the cornerstone of the logo’s color scheme.
The emblem, a stark red shield adorned with a lavish laurel wreath, showcases three white books, each possessing four clasps. These twelve clasps symbolize the twelve schools within the university. Fragmented across the pages are the Latin words “VE,” “RI,” “TAS,” representing the university’s motto, “Truth.” The three books are placed meticulously within the shield, two in the upper row and one below, harboring the last syllable.
Beneath this intricate arrangement of laurels, a pristine white ribbon flows, emblazoned with the word “Harvard” in slender uppercase letters, typed in the Garamond font, congruent with the previous inscriptions. The laurel and book covers are shaded in a rich, dark gold, and every component is finely bordered with a sleek black line.
This distinctive shield also serves as a unique emblem for each of the twelve student houses within the university, their uniqueness derived from variations in color and central design elements. The aesthetic elements and deep symbolism interwoven within the emblem reflect Harvard’s enduring commitment to truth, knowledge, and its rich tapestry of traditions and academic excellence, encapsulating its long-standing history and illustrious legacy in a visual narrative.
