Fordham University, established in 1841 as St. John’s College and Hospital, has evolved into a prestigious institution known for its focus on liberal arts, philosophy, business, law, and medicine. Located primarily in New York City, with a campus in London, it is recognized for its strong religious direction, with a connection to the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus.

Seal and Logo Evolution

The Fordham University seal, which serves as the official mark of the university, has remained largely unchanged since 1907. The seal consists of several key elements that embody the institution's values and history:

• Outer Ring: Styled as a belt, it features the university’s name in Latin.
• Upper Circle: This smaller circle includes a wreath and a list of the sciences taught at the university.
• Motto: "Sapientia et Doctrina" ("Wisdom and Learning") is inscribed on a ribbon beneath the seal, reflecting the university’s core principles.
• Central Shield: The shield features the IHS symbol, representing the name of Jesus, with a crest emanating from the letter "H," symbolizing religious significance.

Primary Logo (1907-Present)

The primary Fordham University logo integrates the seal and English inscriptions. The university’s name is displayed in an elegant serif typeface, alongside the "The Jesuit University of New York" tagline. The seal is positioned to the left of the text. The logo has no background, allowing the emblem to stand out clearly and be immediately recognizable.

Font and Typography

• Seal Typeface: The outer ring and list of sciences use a sans-serif typeface, with letters spaced slightly apart. The IHS symbol in the center is rendered in a serifed uppercase font. The "Sapientia et Doctrina" motto is in a light sans-serif type.
• Primary Logo Typeface: The inscriptions in the logo use a serif typeface that resembles Times New Roman, with the university’s name in a larger size than the tagline beneath.

Color Scheme

Fordham’s color scheme reflects its traditional and academic nature:

• Red is used for the outer ring of the seal and parts of the central shield.
• Beige and brown outline the ring, with beige used for the inner areas.
• Blue appears in the paper-styled ribbon and the upper circle with the wreath.
• Green fills the wreath, symbolizing growth and education.
• The shield features dark blue for the inner part and white for small contours, maintaining a classic, dignified appearance.

In summary, Fordham University’s logo and seal are deeply rooted in tradition, with a focus on wisdom, learning, and religious values. The design is simple yet elegant, using a color palette and typography that reflect the institution’s long history and commitment to academic excellence.