Approved University Logo and Seal

Approved University Logo and Seal

Visual contact through written correspondence is one of the main communication channels of any institution. For this reason, the University logo is very important in style form and practical application. The logo, like the seal, is St. Mary's signature and must be used properly and presented consistently to convey its intended character.

The University logo is composed of a cross motif and the name of the University. The cross motif was specially designed to reflect St. Mary's religious nature, as well as its history and areas of influence.

The logo must appear prominently on all materials published by the University in print or electronic format. The logo must not be altered, compressed or rearranged in any way, and should always be used in the proportion and configurations shown below. The primary use of the logo is on stationery and related materials, University identification and signage and as a signature for printed materials. Because the logo is a registered trademark, any deviation from it is not acceptable.

The University name is always printed in Bauer Text Initials, proportionate to the logo as shown. Below are the logo's acceptable styles.

Incorrect Usages

• Do not delete "St. Mary's University" from the logo. It is one entity and defines who we are.
• Do not break up "St. Mary's University" and the cross.
• Do not put a box around the logo.
• Do not underline any part of the logo.

Logo's Safe Area

When the logo is used in advertising or any other printed material, ample space should surround it to allow good readability and distinction. The logo has a "safe area," or space around it that must not touch other elements. The illustration below shows the safe area in gray.

The "safe area" should always be preserved around the logo. Elements, such as typography, photographs and page borders, should be set away from the logo's "safe area." No other type should be adjacent to the name and logo except department names, the University address and department phone numbers. The logo also must not be too close to a cut or folded edge.

The features of this logo must not be blended with other designs, such as the University seal, organizational logos, original drawings or additional lettering.

Please contact the Office of University Communications to consult with you on the consistent application of the logo.

The University Seal

The University seal is the official identification of St. Mary's University. The seal is generally restricted to academic publications, such as diplomas and commencement programs, and for formal and ceremonial uses, such as in official documents and other specially printed materials.

Use of the seal must be approved in advance by the Office of University Communications.

Symbolism of the University Seal

The five-pointed star is a symbol both of Texas, the Lone Star State, and the University's patroness, St. Mary, properly greeted in Christian prayer under the symbol of a star of extraordinary brilliance as "Morning Star" and "Star of the Sea."

Inside the star stands the letter M, the traditional monogram of St. Mary. Combined with the letter A it can be in two ways: as MA, an abbreviation of Mater (Mother) and thus a more elaborate Marian monogram, and as AM, an acronym formed of the first letters of the opening words of the prayer, Ave, Maria (Hail Mary).

The olive wreath enveloping the star is widely used as a mark of distinction or the sign of particular merit, recalling the ancient wreath of honor with which those who conquered were crowned.

The year, 1852, at the bottom of the seal recalls the year of the initial Marianist foundation in San Antonio, St. Mary's Institute, from which St. Mary's University is directly descended.