(Ann Arbor, MI) – There is a new but familiar face joining the campus of Concordia University Ann Arbor this fall. The Cardinals' Athletic Department has unveiled an updated Cardinal logo to kick off the 2021-22 academic year. The athletic department partnered with Mongoose Graphics to work through the redesign and establish a brand identity guide for the first time in department history.
The department's new look is the result of a year-long process including students, athletics staff, campus leaders, and alumni. Various elements of the former Cardinal logo were incorporated while also bringing a modernized, sharper, and cleaner identity to the new marks. Separating CUAA's new marks from the many other Cardinal logos being used around the world was also a priority.
"(Former Assistant Athletic Director) Kyle Thoms was an integral part in the development of our new logo," said Athletic Director Lonnie Pries. "Numerous meetings took place that included our students, staff, and administration in order to hear their feedback as we went through the process. We are excited to move forward with the finished product and love how we have a modernized Corky that still displays characteristics of the Corky that our alumni remember."
More about the design
CUAA's new Cardinal mark reflects many of the characteristics and features of the previous one with some modern flair that is better suited for printing, digital use, and apparel. Another familiar aspect to the customize Cardinals font scheme was building it around the "C" that has been widely used in Concordia's C-Cross logo. This font is customized to the Concordia Athletic Department and creates a new opportunity to separate the Cardinals while also honoring the past that has helped lead us to where we are today.
After an extensive search and recommendations from reputable collegiate athletic departments across the country, the athletic department landed on partnering with Mongoose Graphics. Cory Whitlock championed the project and brought a dynamic portfolio which include rebranding projects with Grace College (Ind.), Goshen College, Creighton University, and UNC Greensboro, to name a few.
Cory shared that "Working with Lonnie and the athletic department staff was a great experience. It was clear early on that the athletic department needed a refresh to the current brand. We went through the process of determining what was working and what needed an update. The goal was to add more consistency and build a strong brand for CUAA moving forward."
Looking ahead
The new and improved Corky creates an exciting new chapter for Concordia University Ann Arbor. It signifies the growth that God has blessed this university with throughout the years. It generates an excitement for the work that is being done everyday on the field, in the classroom, and in the hearts of the students that God has called to make a difference in the world for His glory.
Change is an inevitable aspect of the world that we live in. However, Ecclesiastes 3:1 encourages us in saying, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Therefore, as we spread our wings as Cardinals with a new face that represents who we are and what we stand for, let us thank our unchanging Savior for the good work that He is and will continue to do here at Concordia.
More about Concordia Cardinal Athletics
CUAA is an NAIA school and offers 26 athletic programs: 11 men's sports, 12 women's, and three coed. The campus has made great strides toward expanding its athletic repertoire in recent years, adding esports, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's lacrosse, and men's and women's tennis since 2014.
Concordia University Ann Arbor athletics exists to develop servant leaders who strive for excellence in academics, athletics, and personal growth while maturing as Christians together. The department embraces the four core values of: Christ-Centered, integrity, servant leadership, and championship mindset.
Learn more about CUAA athletics at concordiacardinals.com and check out the new spirit wear in the Cardinal Closet!
