SPOKANE, Wash. — The artist who created the original Cougar head some 64 years ago will be on hand when Washington State University unveils a new treatment of the classic logo in Spokane on Friday, Nov. 17.
The unveiling of a giant-sized crimson and gray on white logo and wordmark will take place at 1:30 p.m. during a meeting of the WSU Board of Regents. It will be in the board room of the SIRTI/Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute, 665 N. Riverpoint Blvd.
Joining the regents and WSU President V. Lane Rawlins for the event will be Randall Johnson, 85, Spokane, who designed the original Cougar head logo as a WSU student in 1936. The new logo is a variation of Johnson’s original famous Cougar head design. WSU students, alumni and athletic teams are called Cougars. University colors are crimson and gray.
Rawlins, who took office as WSU’s ninth president in June, asked for a new university logo to “represent both the proud tradition and success of Washington State and the opportunities and high expectations for progress in the future for a great university.”
Rawlins initiated the process to create a new graphic identity to replace a stylized “W” used since 1988 by the university. The process includes work by graphic designer Dave Hoyt, WSU University Publications and Printing, and feedback from focus group sessions across the state. Four variations of the logo were submitted to Rawlins, who made the final selection. The new logo treatment is the Cougar head within a crest, an internationally recognized symbol for higher education.
Prior to the unveiling, Johnson will be honored by the regents with a resolution of appreciation for his original work on the logo and support of the university over the years.
Rawlins and Johnson will be will available to respond to questions from the news media after the logo unveiling.
