A teenager today is learning to drive, consuming hours of online content, and navigating complex social dynamics—all while playing a central role in one of their family’s biggest financial decisions: college.
A college logo may not top their list of must-haves, but it does anchor emotional connection and pride. It’s a powerful symbol of belonging, and a defining piece of any college brand. Designing one that’s both meaningful and enduring? That’s no small feat.
I’m especially curious how a designer can consistently create impactful college logos—year after year, project after project—while keeping each one distinct and true to its institution.
So I asked Paskill Senior Graphic Designer and Illustrator Nick DeNucci, known for his award-winning work with colleges across the country, to share his approach. From drawing on campus landmarks to balancing tradition with versatility, his answers reveal just how much thought (and talent) goes into every mark.
What usually guides your first idea for a college logo?
When creating a college logo, the first idea is usually guided by the essence and identity of the institution. We start by exploring what makes the college unique—its history, architecture, values, and location. Often, a specific building or architectural detail becomes a central visual element, especially if it’s iconic or historically significant to the campus. These features help ground the logo in something recognizable and meaningful to students, alumni, and faculty.
In other cases, the inspiration might come from a historical event or founding story that defines the college’s legacy. For example, a founding year, a notable figure, or a symbolic moment can provide strong visual and conceptual direction. Additionally, geographic context plays a key role. Landmarks, natural features, or cultural symbols from the city or state where the college is located can serve as powerful design cues.
Ultimately, our goal is to reflect the character of the institution in a simple, memorable mark. We balance tradition with modern design sensibilities to create a logo that resonates emotionally and visually with its audience. By starting with the essence of the college, we ensure the logo feels authentic and tells a story that matters.
Ever had to modernize a logo but keep it traditional? How’d you do it?
Yes, we’ve modernized logos while preserving their traditional essence, and the USCGA logo is a great example. For over two centuries, the United States Coast Guard Academy primarily used a detailed traditional seal as its main visual identity. However, as digital platforms and diverse print needs evolved, the seal’s complexity became a challenge for legibility and scalability.
Our goal was to modernize the logo without losing its heritage. We began by identifying the most iconic elements of the original seal—the anchor, shield, and eagle. These symbols carry deep historical and institutional significance, so they remained at the heart of the design. We then worked to streamline the overall composition, adjusting the line weights and simplifying intricate details to ensure the mark could scale smoothly across all mediums.
The result was a balanced, modernized logo that honors the Academy’s traditions while being versatile enough for contemporary use. The original seal is still reserved for formal and official documents, while the revised logo has served as the primary visual identifier across print and digital platforms for the last eight years. This approach allowed us to respect the past while meeting present-day branding needs.
Which college logo was the most memorable to design?
Two of the most memorable college logos I’ve had the opportunity to design are the Bloomsburg University athletic logo and the Neumann University logo.
The Bloomsburg “Red Husky” holds a special place in my heart because it was the very first college logo I worked on at the beginning of my career. It marked an important milestone for me professionally, and knowing that it’s still in use today is incredibly rewarding. Seeing that logo on athletic gear, facilities, and in the stands brings a sense of pride, not only because of its longevity, but because it reflects a strong connection with the university community.
The Neumann University logo stands out as a memorable project for different reasons. Neumann was transitioning from a college to a university, and the logo needed to reflect that shift in stature and identity. I had developed eleven different iterations to present, and Jim Paskill suggested we round it out to an even dozen. While brainstorming that final option, Bob Oxman happened to pass by my desk and noticed a small pencil sketch I had made—a simple idea with an “N” over a “U” separated by an arch. He pointed to it and said, “Do me a favor and work that one up.” That rough doodle turned out to be the concept that was ultimately selected. It’s a great reminder of how spontaneous inspiration, paired with collaboration, can lead to a lasting and meaningful design.
About Senior Graphic Designer/Illustrator Nick DeNucci:
A graduate of Kutztown University, Nick brings a sharp eye for using positive and negative space to create visual harmony across logos, icons, mascots, maps, and more. His work—seen on campuses from Bloomsburg to the United States Coast Guard Academy—reflects a deep understanding of identity, legacy, and audience. Whether reimagining a seal or sketching a husky from scratch, Nick is core to a team that builds logos that last.
