Evolution of the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Logo: A Century of Symbols and Traditions

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, a public land-grant research university in Honolulu, boasts a history rich in tradition and symbolism. Its visual identity, reflected in its logos and branding, has evolved alongside the institution itself, mirroring its growth and commitment to its unique Hawaiian heritage.

Early Nicknames and the Emergence of the Rainbow

Before 1923, the University of Hawai'i's sports teams were simply known as the "Deans." However, a pivotal moment occurred during the final game of the 1923 season. In an upset victory against Oregon State, UH head coach Otto Klum's team triumphed 7-0 at Mo‘ili‘ili Field. A significant event during the game was the appearance of a rainbow over the field.

Rainbows held a sacred significance in Hawaiian culture long before the advent of football. Hawaiian chiefs considered them sacred, using them as symbols of a chief's presence. This auspicious event led to the adoption of the "Rainbows" as the new nickname for the university's athletic teams.

The Rainbow Warrior: A Symbol of Strength and Unity

The "Rainbow Warrior" epithet is very important. It represents the warrior who united the Hawaiian Islands under Kamehameha the Great. The nickname also acknowledges the significant support from ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue-the Order of the Rainbow Warrior, a UH scholarship fundraising organization.

The Rainbow Wahine: Recognizing Women's Athletics

In 1972, Dr. Donnis Thompson, a professor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department, established the first women’s athletics program with the help of the men’s Athletics Department. The men’s program was known as the “Rainbows” and so Dr. Thompson chose “Rainbow Wahine” as the name for the women’s teams. "Wahine" is the Hawaiian word for "woman." Thompson also created a new logo based on the Rainbow in a rounded version and added the name “wahine.”

Green and White: Embracing Hawaiian Heritage

Green and white became the school’s official colors due to a decision made by faculty wives involved in decorating for the school’s social calendar. Green also represents Lono, the ancient Hawaiian god of agriculture. The color green embodies the richness of the Manoa valley and spiritual prosperity and success.

The 2000 Logo: A Modern Interpretation of Kapa Designs

In 2000, the UH Athletics Department introduced a new logo inspired by Hawaiian kapa designs, which were experiencing a resurgence. Although decorative, the patterns hold symbolic meaning. The triangles represent the balance of body, mind, and spirit, values that ancient Hawaiians believed were essential for strength.

Filipino-Inspired Logo: Celebrating Diversity

The University of Hawaii at Manoa Center for Philippine Studies collaborated with UH Athletics to create limited edition Filipino-inspired hats and T-shirts in honor of Filipino American History Month. The logo is inspired by the diverse patterns and textiles of the Philippines.

Graphics Standards: Maintaining a Consistent Visual Identity

The University of Hawai'i has established a graphics standards manual to ensure consistent use of its logos and branding across all platforms. This manual provides guidelines for the proper use of the university seal and signature, business cards, stationery, and other official materials. The stationery system and business card design incorporates the department, program or office information with the respective system or campus signature, and only the official design can be produced at university expense. Stationery and business cards can be produced in black or two-color (black plus the designated campus or system color). Arial is the recommended font it works well with the nameplate type in printed communication materials.

Alternate Logos: Exceptions and Guidelines

Requests to use alternate signatures or logos must be submitted in writing through the respective chancellor, explaining the exceptional circumstances that warrant deviation from the university signature system. These exceptions typically apply to entities with established historical equity in their insignia or units administered jointly with another institution or agency. Even when alternate logos are permitted, these units must identify themselves as part of the University of Hawaiʻi on all printed and electronic materials. Individual unit logos are not allowed. Schools, colleges, departments and programs may develop design themes and elements, including use of color and graphic images, to provide continuity to their print and electronic communication.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Palaka: The "Denim of Hawai'i"

According to a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa fashion expert, the historic textile is experiencing a resurgence, solidifying its place as the “denim of Hawaiʻi.” “It's been said that palaka is the denim of Hawaiʻi. It's ubiquitous,” Reilly said. “It crosses over ethnic lines, now it crosses over class lines, and it has a rich history in Hawaiʻi. Many of the people who live here have ancestors who probably wore palaka on the fields.”

The story of palaka began in the early 1800s with the arrival of sailors. The name itself is believed to be a Hawaiian transliteration of the English word “frock,” the shirt worn by sailors. The original cotton fabric likely came from New England, with a plaid called “Cranston Plaid” bearing a strong resemblance to early palaka. By the early 20th century, the dense, durable fabric became essential during the plantation era. The fabric’s transformation from simple workwear to a symbol of local pride was possibly catalyzed by the infamous Thalia Massie case in 1931. The fashion evolution of palaka began in the 1960s and ʻ70s with the introduction of new colors such as red, yellow and green. The 1980s saw the rise of the “Palaka Power” movement, a statement of pride for the descendants of Japanese plantation laborers who had achieved political and economic success.

A Legacy of Growth and Adaptation

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's history is intertwined with the cultural and historical shifts of the islands. Founded in 1907 as a land-grant college, it has grown into a comprehensive research university with a global perspective.

The university's early years saw it evolve from a small college of agriculture and mechanical arts to a broader institution encompassing arts and sciences. Key milestones include:

1907: Established as the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts of the Territory of Hawaiʻi.
1908: Officially became an institution of higher learning on September 14, 1908, when it enrolled 5 freshmen registered for a bachelor of science degree.
1912: Renamed the College of Hawaiʻi and moved to its present location in Mānoa Valley.
1931: The Territorial Normal and Training School (now the College of Education) was merged into the University of Hawaiʻi.
1941: Classes were suspended for two months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
1951: The University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo Branch was approved.
1959: Became a constitutional agency when Hawaiʻi was granted statehood.
1965: A system of community colleges was created and placed within the university.
2005: The $150-million medical complex in Kakaʻako opened.
2012: UH West Oʻahu welcomed 2,000 students to the new, permanent campus.
Present: UH provides free community college for all students with financial needs through a scholarship program called Hawaiʻi Promise.

Governance and Leadership

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa operates within the University of Hawaiʻi System, governed by an 11-member board of regents. The board appoints the president of the University of Hawaiʻi System, who oversees all 10 campuses.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Academic Focus and Research

UH Mānoa offers over 200 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. The College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources (CTAHR) is the founding college of the university. The College of Arts, Languages, and Letters (CALL) is the newest and largest college at the university. The College of Business Administration was established in 1949.

Research is a central component of UH Mānoa's mission. The university's location facilitates advances in marine biology, oceanography, underwater robotic technology, astronomy, geology and geophysics, agriculture, aquaculture and tropical medicine. UH Mānoa spent $276 million on research and development in 2018, ranking it 84th in the nation.

Student Life and Traditions

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a variety of student activities and organizations. The Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (ASUH) is the undergraduate student government. The Lyon Arboretum is the only tropical arboretum belonging to any American university. The Waikiki Aquarium, founded in 1904, is the third-oldest public aquarium in the United States.

UH Mānoa competes in NCAA Division I, with men's teams known as Rainbow Warriors and women's teams called Rainbow Wahine.

Notable Alumni

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa has produced many distinguished alumni, including:

Neil Abercrombie
Daniel Akaka
Alice Augusta Ball
Robert Ballard
Robert Blust
Tammy Duckworth
Ann Dunham
Georgia Engel
Alan M. Friedlander
Sonny Ganaden
Colleen Hanabusa
Mazie Hirono
Daniel Inouye
Patsy Mink
Janet Mock
Esther T.
Richard Parsons
Pat Saiki
Jay H. Shidler
Linda Taira
Mark Takai
Nainoa Thompson
Corinne K. A. Watanabe

tags: #university #of #hawaii #at #manoa #logo