The University of Pittsburgh is a long-established educational institution in Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1787, it is one of the oldest universities in America. Offering a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across technical, humanities, and fine arts fields, the university is dedicated to both education and research. Its academic and corporate activities span 17 schools and colleges.

Meaning and History of the University of Pittsburgh Logo

The University of Pittsburgh's roots go back to the late 1770s when a preparatory school operated in Pittsburgh. In 1787, Hugh Henry Brackenridge received a charter from the government of Pennsylvania to establish the Academy, which eventually led to the creation of the university. Initially named the Western University of Pennsylvania, it was founded to be a western branch of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. By 1819, the institution was granted university status, with an academic focus on philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and languages.

As the university grew throughout the 19th century, it became an independent institution. In 1908, officials requested that the university's name be changed to the University of Pittsburgh to align with its growing prominence and to avoid misinterpretation.

University of Pittsburgh Logo

The university’s seal, which has been in use since 1908, consists of two main components: a central shield and an outer frame. The shield is divided into two sections by a horizontal stripe with a checkered pattern. The top part features two circles, while the bottom part has one. At the top of the shield is a minimalist depiction of a castle. Beneath the shield, a line displays the university's founding year (1787) and its motto, "Veritas & Virtus" ("Truth and Virtue"). The seal's outer frame is outlined by a semibold line, with the university's name inscribed on it.

The university's logotype features the shield placed to the left of the name "University of Pittsburgh." The word "Pittsburgh" is written in larger letters than the rest of the name, creating a balanced and recognizable design.

University of Pittsburgh Font

The font used for the university's logotype and seal is a semibold uppercase serif typeface with prominent serifs and slight spacing between the letters. The "Pittsburgh" part of the inscription is notably enlarged in both the seal and the logotype. The motto and the "1787" date are composed in the same font style.