Saint Louis University will unveil new logo marks for the University and Billiken Athletics at a special event at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Chaifetz Arena. All members of the SLU community, including alumni and Billiken fans, are invited to join SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., at the event.
The unveiling is part of a long-term, collaborative effort to elevate marketing initiatives across the University. Beginning with an external brand review more than 18 months ago, representatives of faculty, staff, students, alumni and Billiken supporters have been engaged in enhancing SLU’s visibility locally, regionally and nationally.
The new logos and marks are key components of these efforts.
“The SLU fleur-de-lis logo and current version of the Billiken were created about 20 years ago,” said Jeff Fowler, vice president for marketing and communications. “Introducing new, more modern marks now will help elevate our brand and ensure that our marks reflect SLU’s status as one of the country’s leading research universities. In addition, this will help us unify our brand throughout the University.”
The logo rollout event will include refreshments and merchandise giveaways, featuring the new logos and marks.
“It is an exciting time at Saint Louis University, and we are thrilled to share our new modernized Billiken marks with the community on Nov. 13,” said Chris May, director of athletics. “The Billiken logo has taken on many different forms throughout history. With the help of SLU students, Billiken student-athletes, faculty, staff and athletic program supporters, the creation of a new brand identity system will support our strategic objectives of educating, competing and building community.”
Both marks were designed by Olson, a branding firm based in Minneapolis, in consultation with the Division of Marketing and Communications and Department of Athletics. The marks were shared with key groups of students, faculty, staff and trustees during the summer and fall.
“The final logos reflect feedback from many constituents across SLU,” Fowler said. “Their input was invaluable as we moved through the process. ”
The new SLU marks will be phased in during the next 18 months. Stationery and business cards featuring the new logos will be available online beginning Monday, Nov. 16. Merchandise featuring the new Billiken, logo and marks will be available right after the rollout event.
In fact, SLU’s Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Busch Student Center will host a Reveal Party from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 with many new clothing and giftware options for sale. The party will feature free Papa John’s Pizza and raffles for newly branded merchandise every 15 minutes
