Shippensburg University unveils new athletics logo

It’s time to anchor up and set sail, Raiders. Shippensburg University has introduced a new athletics logo that provides the department’s 20 NCAA Division II programs a new look that honors the proud tradition of Ship’s Athletics and will carry the department into the future.

The university’s current logo was originally commissioned specifically for Ship's intercollegiate athletic teams. Its popularity eventually resulted in its incorporation as the official university logo. The well-known Raider Ship remains the primary mark for the university. The new primary athletics logo, an anchor, is unique but complementary to the Ship.

“A logo that is unique and identifiable is very important to an athletic program. The new anchor symbolizes the strength and resilience of our student-athletes and represents the forward momentum that is required in competition,” said Jeff Michaels, director of Athletics at Shippensburg University.

Key elements of the new athletic logo include: 

• A stylized red S that is bold and fierce. The cut ins on the S were incorporated to convey the image of a battle-tattered, but strong, sail. The serifs on the S, were incorporated to honor the traditional interlocked SU that served as the university’s previous primary athletic mark. 
• The anchor conveys strength and resilience with beveling that provides dimension to the mark. 
• The use of red and navy blue maintains the legacy and tradition of Shippensburg University’s athletic color palette. The incorporation of light blue, a secondary color in the university athletics brand guide, provides a modern and unique element.

The university’s primary logo, the Raider Ship, is a stylized version of a fast, lightly armed ship, commissioned to serve as a raider against enemies. The Ship was designed to convey a feeling of strength and forward momentum as it slices through the water, however no ship can set sail without their anchor up. 

“Every time our Raider student-athletes compete, they carry Shippensburg University onto the national stage with pride, grit, and excellence. Our new athletic logo is as bold and fierce as they are. Anchor Up, Raiders,” said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, president of Shippensburg University. 

Shippensburg University partnered with CLC, the nation’s leading collegiate trademark licensing and marketing company, on the artistic creation of the new logo. CLC is the exclusive licensing agency for Shippensburg and provides merchandise licensing and marketing services to over 800 colleges and universities, athletic conferences, bowl games, the Heisman Trophy, and the NCAA.

“Our team is proud to help create a new distinct athletic mark that reinforces the overall Shippensburg branding while leveraging new, innovative features that complement the traditions of the university,” said John Gregory, CLC’s senior director of Creative Services. “We hope this new mark connects with fans and provides additional opportunities for merchandise and marketing in the future.”

“This is a logo many years in the making and one we created with intention to complement our Raider Ship. The concept of an anchor is something our student-athletes have championed for years, and we are happy to deliver a mark they can wear with pride,” said Megan Silverstrim, director of Communications and Marketing. 

The new athletic logo will be rolled out in phases as it is integrated into athletic facilities, team uniforms, and implemented throughout social media and web platforms. 

Apparel and merchandise showcasing the new logo is available through an online store and will be available in the Shippensburg University Bookstore this fall. 

The university’s updated visual identity and brand guide is available online.