SLU Logo FAQs

The Saint Louis University logo includes several key symbols that represent SLU's history and traditions. It also draws inspiration from our region and surrounding landscape.

• The fleur-de-lis — a reference to the city's French heritage and a Catholic symbol associated with the Holy Trinity — has been used at SLU since the 1920s. 
• The cross represents SLU's Catholic identity. 
• The crown and shield symbolize King St. Louis IX, namesake of the city and the University. 
• The fluidity of the fleur-de-lis and the lines connecting to the fleur-de-lis petals represent the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in St. Louis.

Yes. Iconic graphic artist Paul Rand, who designed the IBM, ABC and UPS logos, said the best logos are distinctive, simple, useable, memorable and clear, among other qualities. Rand explains that a logo is a signature mark that identifies an entity. It is not a description of the entity. In fact, a logo's meaning comes from the quality of the institution it symbolizes, not from the graphic itself. The University logo is simplified, fully useable in digital and print platforms, unique to SLU, and presents a timeless image of Saint Louis University.

The strongest, most recognizable brand for any campus unit is the Saint Louis University brand. Independent logos can diffuse and confuse the public perception of SLU. While it may seem important to differentiate your unit, the most effective way to gain recognition is to use the SLU brand and to link your unit's reputation to the power and prestige of Saint Louis University. Keep in mind that outside audiences don't focus on our organizational charts; they mostly see all units as Saint Louis University. That is an asset, not a detriment, and we can use that strength to benefit the whole University.

Yes. The marks don't replace the "Be a Billiken" student recruitment brand or identities for events that happen in a finite time frame — e.g., Homecoming and Family Weekend, fundraising campaigns, etc. Using the Saint Louis University mark on these communications gives the benefit of a SLU endorsement without disrupting their ability to create their own identities. The SLU logo should work together with the identity to create the most impact.

All marks will be expected to work within the established standards and appropriately represent the University. If you have questions regarding logo strategies, please email Matt Krob, director of design services, at matt.krob@slu.edu to talk through objectives, expectations and process.

Yes. Standard guidelines regarding the design and logo usage must be followed. Please review the list of approved University vendors found on the Business and Finance website when selecting a vendor.

The guidelines explain how the logos and marks are to be used, as well as how they should not be used. They specify the correct color for "SLU Blue," as well as a secondary color palette, fonts, and other useful information to help maintain brand consistency. Downloadable logos also are available online.

Guidelines, when followed consistently, allow all members of the SLU community to present a strong identity for Saint Louis University and help avoid confusion. Correct use of SLU's official logos and typography is key to the branding process and important to enhancing the University's prestige among key audiences.

SLU logos and the Billiken are available in a variety of formats on the Marketing and Communications website. To avoid poor reproduction, logos should not be scanned from other printed sources or downloaded from other places on the SLU website. Standard guidelines regarding the design and logo usage must be followed.

Colleges, schools, departments, divisions and units can have an official logo lockup.  The logo lockup system has been instituted to create logos that are consistent throughout the Saint Louis University brand. Logo lockups should be used across SLU’s  colleges, schools, departments, divisions and units. This cohesive system strengthens the University’s overall brand and image. To request a logo lockup, please contact the director of design services.

Separate, individually designed logos are not permitted.

No. The primary logo is the shield with the fleur-de-lis and the wordmark for "Saint Louis University" and the "Est. 1818." Whenever possible, use the full logo or a logo that includes “Saint Louis University.” Use of the logomark (the shield without the University name included) should be limited to only those designs that will be seen on campus (and therefore readily identifiable as SLU-related) or when the design clearly identifies itself as a SLU communication. An example might be the front of a postcard that features the University wordmark on the top left corner and the logomark off to the right side of the card paired in a complementary fashion.

No.

For both the University logo and Athletics marks, the official SLU colors are Pantone Matching System (PMS) 293C and white. Pantone Matching System (PMS) Cool Gray 3, a light gray, is available as an additional color. Several secondary colors have been identified and can be used sparingly. For more information, visit the colors and fonts section. 

Brandon Grotesque Bold is the typeface used in the Saint Louis University logo. Brandon Grotesque is available for purchase by individual units. Check with your unit’s marketing office for more details. 

Suggested complementary typefaces include the serif font Crimson and sans-serif font Archivo Narrow. Both are Google Fonts and available for free download. Recommendations on how to properly employ these fonts can be found in the online style guide. 

The athletics font, Billiken Bold, was designed specifically for SLU Athletics use only and is not available commercially.

Yes. All uses of the University logo and Billiken logo should use the appropriate TM or ® marks.

Use of the seal is reserved for official documents (e.g., diplomas, transcripts, etc.) and key presidential materials. It is never a substitute for the University logo.