The Evolution of the Marietta College Logo and Branding
Marietta College, a private liberal arts college in Marietta, Ohio, boasts a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. From its humble beginnings as the Muskingum Academy in 1797 to its current status as a distinguished institution, Marietta College has undergone several transformations, including the evolution of its logo and branding. This article explores the history of the Marietta College logo, its colors, and its athletic nickname, "Pioneers," tracing their origins and development over time.
The Genesis of Marietta College
The story of Marietta College begins with the Muskingum Academy, established in 1797. Led by General Rufus Putnam, a committee of Marietta citizens recognized the need for higher education in the newly settled Northwest Territory. The Muskingum Academy, completed that same year, became the first institution of its kind in the region, offering "classical instruction." This academy laid the foundation for what would eventually become Marietta College.
In 1833, the institution was initially chartered as the Marietta Collegiate Institute and Western Teachers' Seminary. However, this entity lacked the authority to grant degrees. Consequently, a new charter was approved in 1835, officially establishing Marietta College.
The College Seal: A Symbol of Tradition
The Marietta College seal has undergone several iterations throughout its history. The seal, much as we know it today, was adopted in 1877. An earlier version with the words "Marietta College, 1835" was inscribed on the seal and maintained from 1853. With some minor adjustments, the seal remained mostly unchanged until 1853.
An interesting anecdote related to the seal can be found on campus. A rendering of the seal is sunken into the steps of the Legacy Library. It is believed to hold the key to how many years it might take for an individual to graduate. Superstition dictates that avoiding stepping on the seal ensures graduation in four years.
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The "Pioneers" Nickname: A Legacy of Athletic Identity
One of the most common references to the origin of the College's nickname, "Pioneers," appears in Vernon E. "Dan" McGrew's "In the Various Branches of Useful Knowledge." This history of the College points to an appearance of the name "Pioneers" in the fall of 1930 when it was used by the Olio to describe Marietta sports teams.
According to McGrew, "From then on, MC teams were 'Pioneers,' derived of course from the College's heritage." He noted that the alternative nickname of "Blue and White" appeared as early as 1919 and often after that until getting second billing to "Pioneers." It still has frequent application, sometimes abridged to "Big Blue."
However, earlier references to "Pioneers" to describe Marietta athletic teams can be found. A large headline in the College's Blue and White in October 1927 announced that the "Pioneers" were able to break even in their league games for that season. Wilbur Schramm's article in the Olio a month later confirms the use of the nickname.
The College Colors: Navy Blue and White
All loyal Pioneers know that the colors of Marietta College are Navy Blue and White, but tracing them back to an exact date of official adoption is an exciting journey into the institution's archives.
For instance, if one consults the Marietta College Olio, a monthly publication of Alpha Kappa and Psi Gamma Literary Societies constituting the College's student newspaper of the late 19th century, there is a reference in November of 1892 to "our new, beautiful and artistic dress, printed in college colors." The interesting thing about such a claim is that the cover being described was rendered in red and white!
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For all that, less than a year later, in June of 1893, the same cover described in such glowing terms the previous fall, was published not in red and white, but in dark blue and white.
By November of 1894, descriptions of upcoming gridiron contests between the Morgantown University and Marietta listed the College's colors as "white and blue."
Two years later, in 1896, a description of preparations for a Thanksgiving Day game against Ohio Northern included efforts by local merchants to "decorate their stores with the blue and white of Marietta College."
So it would seem that well before the turn of the century, Pioneers were rallying around the Navy Blue and White. This is despite the fact that a 1947 survey of colleges prompted a somewhat less certain response from Marietta officials who had to admit that "the year of the adoption of the colors is a bit doubtful." The response provided by Marietta in answer to the query was "approximately 1899."
Review of the Pioneer Logo and Mascot
In November 2020, Marietta President Bill Ruud announced the formation of a task force to review the current Pioneer logo and mascot. The task force included alumni, students, faculty, and staff. The College chose Eric Rickabaugh and his firm, Rickabaugh Graphics, to help develop a new logo and athletic brand. Rickabaugh Graphics is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and has been in the business of graphic identity for more than 30 years.
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According to Tom Perry, Vice President for Communication and Brand Management, "We contacted the top firms involved in athletic logo redesigns and we chose one of the most experienced and respected individuals - Eric Rickabaugh - and his firm to help us develop a new logo and athletic brand."
Larry Hiser, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, stated, “Our student-athletes and coaches are excited to be a part of the process and all of us at the College are pleased that all of our constituents will have an opportunity to offer feedback. I know our coaches and student-athletes will be active participants, but I also want to encourage our alumni and other members of the Marietta College community to share their thoughts if they are asked to join a focus group or when they receive an online survey."
Eric Rickabaugh met with some members of the task force and the College’s leadership team on campus. He conducted focus groups in July and follow-up surveys were shared with all the key constituent groups once the data was compiled from the focus groups. Rickabaugh proposed an aggressive, but reasonable timeline for completing the project.
Perry emphasized the importance of a thorough process, stating, “It is important that we take our time to make sure we end up with the best possible logo to represent Marietta College’s athletic program.”
Marietta College Today
Marietta College is a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts institution, requiring students to complete courses in Quantitative Reasoning, Artistic Expression, Civilization & Culture, Social Analysis, and Scientific Inquiry regardless of their major track. There are three honors tracks: curriculum honors, research honors, and college honors. The curriculum honors track provides a course of study for accomplished students. The research honors designation varies across disciplines but typically involves the writing and defense of a thesis.
The McDonough Center for Leadership and Business at Marietta College started in 1986 with a $5.5 million gift from the Bernard P. McDonough family. With an inaugural cohort of 28 students, the center originally only offered a Certificate in Leadership Studies. The center today offers a bachelor's degree, a minor and a Certificate in Leadership Studies.
In the 2025 WSJ/College Pulse rankings, Marietta was ranked #4 in Student Experience, Best Salaries and Social Mobility in Ohio and #5 in Ohio for Best Value. based on its contribution to the public good, as measured by social mobility, research, and promoting public service.
There are several national and international fraternities and sororities on campus. Marietta College is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Ohio Athletic Conference, a 10-team collegiate conference founded in 1902 and the third-oldest in the nation. The Pioneers compete in 21 varsity sports, including teams in crew, baseball, basketball, men's football, women's volleyball, track & field, cross country, soccer, women's softball, golf, and lacrosse. Esports was added in 2021. Marietta's baseball team has won six national championships, and an NCAA Division III record: in 1981, 1983, 1986, 2006, 2011, and 2012.
A Legacy of Pioneering Education and Community Service
Marietta College, with its deep historical roots and tradition of academic excellence, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and community service.
Marietta College traces its origins back to the community's Muskingum Academy, established in 1797. Officially chartered in 1835, with Rev. Joel H. Linsley as its first president, the College quickly became a beacon of higher learning and social justice. In the antebellum period, Marietta College students actively supported abolitionism, transforming the campus into a station on the Underground Railroad, aiding fugitive slaves in their quest for freedom.
The College's commitment to academic rigor was recognized early on when it became the sixteenth college to receive a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the world's oldest academic honor society, in 1860. This accolade set the standard for the institution's ongoing pursuit of intellectual and scholarly excellence.
Marietta College's legacy is also marked by its students' dedication to service. During the Great War, even before the United States entered the conflict, a group of students formed the Marietta College Volunteer Ambulance Corps, serving with distinction in France. Their service is commemorated by a French monument gifted to the city of Marietta, a symbol of the College's enduring commitment to global engagement and service.
In the modern era, Marietta College boasts a diverse student body, drawing scholars primarily from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and significantly from New England states and Asia. This diversity enriches the College's community, fostering a global perspective among its students.
Today, Marietta College remains a hub of learning and community service, staying true to its pioneering roots while evolving to meet contemporary educational needs.
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