The University of South Florida's Colors: A History of Green and Gold
The University of South Florida (USF), a public research university established on December 18, 1956, stands as one of the twelve members of the State University System of Florida. From its main campus in Tampa, Florida, to its locations in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF has grown into a major institution with a rich history and vibrant traditions. Among these traditions, the university's colors, green and gold, hold a special place, symbolizing its identity and spirit.
The Origins of Green and Gold
In 1958, President John Allen sought a symbol that would represent education on a global scale, commissioning a seal for the new university. The original colors chosen for USF were green, gold, and purple. These colors were also associated with the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, of which President Allen was a member. While purple was later dropped, the official colors became green and gold. However, purple accents can still be seen on some of the older buildings on campus, including the John and Grace Allen Building.
Symbolism of the Seal
Each element of the USF seal carries a special meaning. The sun represents life, the lamp symbolizes learning, and the globe signifies the universal expansiveness of educational opportunity and challenge. President Allen's cornerstone for the University was, and is, truth and wisdom.
Evolution of the University's Visual Identity
USF has undergone several changes to its visual identity over the years. In September 2018, the university unveiled a revitalized version of its logo, featuring a lime green color scheme. However, this new design was met with resistance from students and alumni, who felt that it did not adequately represent the university's history and traditions. Complaints ranged from the new design looking too much like the logo of a well-known financial institution to a distaste for the lime green color scheme.
Rebranding Efforts
The decision to rebrand was driven by several factors. The university had grown significantly in the last decade, earning the designation of "preeminent state research university." The old academic logo design was outdated, and the university had a muddled use of logos across its various departments and colleges.
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The "Beautiful Chaos"
Despite the initial backlash, the rebranding effort generated significant media attention, putting USF on the map nationally. Many articles were written by local and national media outlets alike. Thousands of social media posts were shared. The university ultimately decided to stop using the new bull logo and revert to the iconic "Bull U" logo that the athletic department had used for almost 15 years.
Current Usage of Green and Gold
USF has used its current green and gold colors since May 2003. These colors are prominently featured in the university's branding, including its website, marketing materials, and athletic uniforms. The Green and Gold Guys, a group of students who paint their bodies green and gold, attend all home football and basketball games to show their school spirit.
Traditions and Symbols
Beyond the colors, USF boasts a number of traditions and symbols that contribute to its unique identity.
The Mace
In 1998, the University's Faculty Senate requested the creation of a mace, a ceremonial staff used by many institutions of higher learning to show the right of academic institutions to grant degrees to graduates. USF's mace includes a gold pine cone to represent growth and continuity. Eight silver semicircles, which support the pine cone, represent the eight colleges in existence at USF when the mace was commissioned.
The Bull Statues
The university has a total of 9 life size bronze bull statues across the three campuses, with one on the St. Petersburg campus, one on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, and seven on the Tampa campus. The original three statues (the ones outside the MSC, dubbed the "Running of the Bulls") plus the topiary bull represent the four years a student spends in college, with the topiary bull representing a student's senior year as it symbolizes the student's growth over the past four years and faces one of the main entrances to campus (Palm Drive) as it will soon run off into the world.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza
One of the most popular gathering spots on the Tampa campus is Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza, which is located between the John and Grace Allen Building and the Marshall Student Center, marked by a small bust of the civil rights activist. Beneath the bust of Dr. King are five granite lines pointing in the directions of five cities significant to his legacy: Atlanta, Boston, Memphis, Montgomery, and Washington D.C.
The Alma Mater
Composed by USF Professor of Music Wayne Hugoboom in 1960, the USF Alma Mater was first performed in 1961.
A University on the Rise
USF has experienced significant growth and transformation since its founding. The university has expanded its academic programs, increased its research funding, and improved its national rankings. In 2020, USF was ranked #103 on the list of all universities, and #46 among public universities.
Academic Achievements
USF's Morsani College of Medicine is ranked in Tier 1 by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 "Best Medical Schools: Research," making it the state’s highest-ranked medical school for research. The university has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, receiving a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Campus Life
USF offers a wide range of services and resources to support its students, including the Marshall Student Center, the Campus Recreation Center, and the USF Botanical Gardens. The university also has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events.
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