The Evolution of Identity: A History of West Chester University's Logos
West Chester University (WCU), a public research university with roots tracing back to 1812, has undergone a significant transformation in its identity, mirroring its evolution from a private academy to the largest state-owned university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This article explores the history of West Chester University’s logos, reflecting its changing mission, growth, and aspirations.
From Academy to Normal School: Establishing a Foundation
The story begins with the West Chester Academy, a private, state-aided school that operated from 1812 to 1869. As Pennsylvania began to prioritize public education, the academy transitioned into West Chester Normal School, still privately owned but state-certified. In 1870, a cornerstone was laid for the first of many green serpentine buildings at what would next become West Chester Normal School. The Normal School welcomed its first class of 160 students in 1871. More than 20 years passed before the faculty, among many other things, chose the school’s official colors - purple and gold.
One-room schoolhouses proliferated in our region in the 18th and early 19th centuries. But things changed dramatically in 1834 when Governor George Wolf signed into law Pennsylvania’s Free School Bill, paving the way for the commonwealth’s first public schools. With the rise of publicly funded education came a resulting demand for qualified teachers. The Normal School welcomed many influential figures over the years. These included future President Theodore Roosevelt, who gave a lecture titled “Our Native Land” in January 1896, and suffragist Henrietta G. One of the most notable and frequent visitors was Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist, activist and political leader. In 1895, Douglass delivered his last public speech at West Chester’s campus. In his “Against Lynch Law” address, Douglass advocated for a federal law to make lynching a federal crime, warning of the dangers it posed to law and order in the country.
Transition and Transformation: From Teachers College to University
In 1927, West Chester became West Chester State Teachers College, marking a pivotal shift as Pennsylvania initiated a four-year program of teacher education. This transition reflected the growing importance of formalized teacher training and the institution's commitment to shaping educators for the Commonwealth. The evolution continued. In 1960, the institution's name changed again, becoming West Chester State College, signaling a broadening of its academic scope beyond teacher education. With the passage of the State System of Higher Education bill, West Chester became one of the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on July 1, 1983.
The Modern Era: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
The final name change to West Chester University of Pennsylvania reflects its comprehensive range of academic programs and its status as a leading public university. West Chester University has also produced notable alumni. A recent highprofile alum is Dr. Jill Biden, the former first lady who earned her master’s degree in education in 1981. West Chester University’s popular major - early childhood education - hearkens back to its origins as a Normal School, today WCU is the largest state-owned university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with more than 17,000 students, and is the sixth largest university in the state.
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The University Seal
The University seal is the official identification of West Chester University. The symbol, organization logos, drawings, or additional lettering are not used. WCU is not mistaken with other institutions that have the same acronym. The seal is legible against alternative colors and does not clash with them. West Chester University is knocked out in white type, either purple or black. Other colors should not be used.
The Ram Logo: Symbol of Athletics
There are two versions of the ram logo designed for athletics. University athletics uses lettering. There are two versions of the ram logo. Metallic gold, Pantone 871, also can be used. A band around the ram logo should be used so the ram will remain in color. It can be either purple or black (purple preferred) or two colors (purple and gold), or in black (background).
The athletic teams at West Chester University are named the Golden Rams. Students participate in NCAA Division II athletics in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and Eastern College Athletic Conference. West Chester University has won national championships in women's basketball, women's lacrosse, women's swimming (the team was the DGWS champion in 1972), women's field hockey (including four AIAW titles from 1975 to 1978), and men's soccer. In 1961, the men's soccer team won the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship. In 1977, 1979, and 1982, the boxing team won the National Collegiate Boxing Association national championship.
Rammy: The Embodiment of School Spirit
From the time he was a lamb, it was obvious that Rammy was different. He traveled to interesting places and made him stand out from his herd. Rammy walked through the castle's arch, his eyes grew wide. He had confidence, ambition, wisdon and above all, his horns were gold. Our mascot, the Golden Ram, is the symbol of good luck and team spirit. Rammy gets ready to rock the stands at a sports game. Rammy dances for the crowd in the Residential Quad. Rammy's new look is revealed at the 2017 Homecoming Parade & Football Game.
A Campus of Green: The Serpentine Stone Legacy
Ever wondered why there are greenish buildings on West Chester University’s campus? A prime example is the first building of West Chester Normal School, called “Old Main,” designed by architect Addison Hutton, who had a penchant for using serpentine. As the university grew and new buildings were added, they too boasted the unique green hue that made the campus distinctive. Old Library is the largest building made of Serpentine Stone in the world.
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