CULTURAL LOGOS
The University’s heritage dates back to 1885 and is rich in diversity and character. To recognize and celebrate our distinct cultures, a dedicated team of students, faculty, staff, campus cultural groups and alumni collaborated to create the first official University of Arizona Cultural Logos.
Each cultural logo includes three distinct parts: Cultural icons, the Wildcat brand mark and a title that represents the expression or celebration of each culture. Every icon has been thoughtfully developed from team input and recognizes the importance of cultural nuance. While these represent the uniqueness of our cultural communities, they also form a common connection, the Wildcat brand mark.
The cultural logos are to be released individually throughout the 2020-2021 academic year in succession: Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, Black History and Asian Pacific Heritage. Usage and approval guidelines will be made available soon. Contact licensing@arizona.edu in the meantime with questions.
NATIVE AMERICAN Heritage
The University of Arizona resides on indigenous homelands of the Tohono O’odham and the Pascua Yaqui people, and we recognize the identities of the 22 sovereign nations of Arizona. This cultural logo is an expression of our Native American community with distinct iconography around artifacts and nature that symbolize values held by our diverse tribes. The launch of this logo coincides with national Native American Heritage Month (November).
Eagle Feather – Navajo symbol of high honor
Water Symbol – signifies life, fertility and purity
Corn Stalk – sustenance
Rainbow – friendship and peace
Pottery – used by Southern Arizona tribes
Red Hand – spiritual power, strength, domination and protection
Basketry – used by Southern Arizona tribes
Earth Symbol – featured on the Hopi flag
Squash Blossom Necklace – traditional Navajo necklace
Saguaro Cactus – Arizona
Eight-pointed Star – hope and guidance
Four Directions – various meanings, based on tribe
Butterfly – symbol of change
Yaqui Flower – traditional flower for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Man in the Maze – traditional symbol, our journey through life
Hopi Rain Cloud – symbol for good prospects in the future
Vegetation – design element
Four-pointed Star – various meanings, based on tribe
Diamond – various meanings, based on tribe
Mountains – Arizona
22 Sovereign Nations – 22 tribes in Arizona
Gourd Rattle – three kingdoms in Native American culture: animal, mineral and plant
Cloud Design – featured on Native American flags
Four Directions – various meanings, based on tribe
Wildflower – symbolizes life, for most western tribes
Sun with Fields – featured on Arizona tribal flags
Spiral – various meanings, based on tribe
Water is Life – the sacred nature of water
"Block A" – The University of Arizona
River/water – life, fertility and purity
Yucca Plant – a medicinal plant
Wildflower – symbolizes life, for most western tribes
Wildcat Paw – The University of Arizona
Arrowhead – alertness
Skoden – “Let’s go!”
Tribal Cats – a name that UArizona Native American students and alumni use
Traditional staff – various meanings, based on tribe
Dragonfly – happiness, speed and purity
Hummingbird – playfulness and swift movement; a traditional Pascua Yaqui symbol
Lightning – power and speed; featured on the Arizona Apache tribal flags
Flying eagle – courage, wisdom and strength
Drum – the heartbeat of Mother Earth
Chukson – meaning “spring at the foot of a black mountain:” the name used by the Tohono O’odham, before Tucson
Hispanic Heritage
One in four undergraduate students at the University self-identifies as Hispanic. This cultural logo and program reflect our mission as a designated Hispanic Serving Institution to serve and support our Hispanic students. The distinct iconography around music, food, family and community is detailed below. The launch of this logo coincides with national Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2020). The launch campaign includes merchandise sold through the BookStores at shop.arizona.edu/gatosporvida, benefiting students through the Adalberto and Ana Guerrero Student Center, and quotes from individuals and groups across the University featured on our main social channels.
Flowers – variety of flora
Iguana – variety of reptiles
"Block A" – The University of Arizona
Saguaro Cactus – Arizona
Bongo Drum – deep drum sounds
Pyramid – unique architecture and ancestors
Maracas – hand-held instruments
Guitar – one of the oldest instruments
Hand Fan – gatherings, weather
Embroidery Embellishments – textiles, color, threads, embroidery, artisans
Hummingbird – variety of birds and ancestors
Pottery Designs – Talavera pottery, ceramics, art
Sun – happiness, beaches
Pineapple – variety of fruits
Coffee – a common plant, a conversational drink
Los Gatos – Wildcats
Tambourine – hand-held instruments
Soccer Ball – fútbol, a universal language
Heart – passion
Familia – family is a core value
Music Symbols – love for music
Limes – love for food