Letter to the Community

March 10, 1998
TO: The University Community
FROM: Philip E. Austin

We recently adopted a new symbol for the University of Connecticut — the oak leaf. This is an important development for UConn, since it establishes for the first time a singular identity which will represent our entire institution. Rich in its association with state and University history, the oak conveys strength, endurance, and vitality. It provides appropriate representation of the academic excellence at the University. While I am delighted with the new symbol, I am even more gratified that the University now has a single mark unifying colleges and schools, regional campuses, and the Health Center.

The adoption of this new identity coincides with the profound transformation now taking place at the University — a transformation that includes UConn 2000, the Storrs campus Master Plan, creation of key centers for excellence, implementation of important collaborations with the Connecticut business community, and more. The logo itself is the result of participation by members of the faculty, staff, students and alumni, the UConn Foundation, and the Board of Trustees.

In order to maximize the logo's effectiveness we need to use it in a consistent manner. Standards for its proper use are now being developed by the Office of University Relations and will be completed shortly. Once these standards are in place it is critically important that we adhere to them in order to promote and preserve the integrity of the new University identity.

Converting to the new symbol will take some time and some getting used to. The transition should be implemented in in a manner that is fiscally responsible, and I ask that you use the next six months to exhaust your existing inventory. In a few weeks you will receive information about the phase-in process for the University logo and procedures for ordering new stationery and related items.

This new symbol opens yet another chapter in the extraordinary transformation of the University of Connecticut to a national public university for the 21st century. Thank you for your help as we begin the transition.