Trinity University logo (academic identity)
The Trinity University logo is the mark of the ideal American university for undergraduates. Designed to suit Trinity’s Mid-Century Modern campus, the logo echoes MCM style. The icon, an allusion to the southwest, is made up of 24 triangular rays. One could say the rays mark the rhythm of each day, or that they represent Trinity’s doubling down on its original investment in 12 students and faculty. The rays connect in the way buildings on campus connect. The emergence of a soft sun shape inside the outer rays suggests a place where the warmth of a college and the strengths of a university meet. As a whole, the logo exudes the very confidence and sense of possibility that Trinity imparts to its students.
Primary logo
The Trinity logo consists of two inseparable elements:
- The Sun Icon
- The wordmark
Together, these elements communicate Trinity’s confidence, sense of possibility, and distinctive character. The logo should always be used as a complete unit unless otherwise directed by Strategic Communications and Marketing (SCM).
The logo was designed to reflect Trinity’s Mid-Century Modern campus and spirit. The sun icon—composed of 24 triangular rays—evokes rhythm, connection, and momentum, while the emerging inner sun suggests the warmth and focus of a college within the strengths of a university.
The typography used for the Trinity wordmark is used only for the wordmark. Do not attempt to use the wordmark typeface in other designs. Never use the wordmark without the accompaniment of the sun icon.
Logo Variations
Vertical (Stacked)
One-Color (Maroon or Black)
Horizontal (Stacked)
Horizontal (One-Line)
Logo Colors
Full-Color
On light images or backgrounds, use a full color version of the logo whenever possible.
One-Color (Maroon or Black)
For single, solid-color applications, the logo may appear in Trinity Maroon or black.
Bridgeport Pink Logo Mark
On dark images or backgrounds our logo may appear reversed with the icon in Bridgeport Pink.
White Logo Mark
For single, solid color applications on dark backgrounds, the logo may be appear in white.
Clear Space
Maintaining clear space around the logo preserves its visual integrity and legibility.
- Always leave clear space equal to at least the size of the innermost circle of the sun icon on all sides.
- No text, imagery, or graphic elements should encroach on this space.
More space is encouraged whenever possible.
Minimum Size
To ensure readability across applications, observe minimum size requirements:
- Icon only: minimum .66" (48px)
- Vertical stacked logo: minimum 1" (72px) wide
- Horizontal logo: minimum .875" (64px) tall
For very small digital uses (such as favicons), a Small-Use Icon is available and should be used instead of the full icon.
Custom Lockups
To protect the University’s visual identity:
- Schools, departments, and units may not create their own logos or lockups.
- All custom lockups are created exclusively by SCM using approved templates.
If your unit needs a lockup, submit a request to SCM. This ensures consistency and alignment across the university.
Using the Sun Icon on Its Own
The sun icon may appear without the wordmark only in limited, SCM-approved cases, such as:
- Social media avatars for official Trinity University accounts
- Favicons during brand launch
The wordmark should never be used without the sun icon. Broader standalone use of the icon may be considered in the future as brand recognition grows.
Incorrect Logo Use
To protect the Trinity brand, never:
- Recreate or typeset the logo
- Stretch, compress, rotate, or skew the logo
- Change colors or apply effects (shadows, outlines, gradients)
- Separate the icon and wordmark
- Place the logo on busy or low-contrast backgrounds
- Use the wordmark alone
When in doubt, consult SCM before publishing.
Icons & Secondary Marks
TU/TX and the Inner Sun both appear in other visual signatures and have the potential to be used in exciting ways that enhance the university’s visual identity and embrace its Texas roots. As with all visual signatures, neither TU/TX nor the Inner Sun should ever replace the Trinity logo or icon.
TU/TX
The main purpose of the TU/TX signature is to differentiate Trinity University from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Use it prominently when that distinction most needs to be made, e.g., in admissions marketing, national brand awareness campaigns, and athletics branding. NCAA communications refer to Trinity University as “Trinity (TX)” and “Trinity (Texas)”. TU/TX goes a step further, empowering Trinity University to identify itself with its location by incorporating the letters into the Trinity University Athletics brand.
The inner sun
The inner sun is built from the negative space of the Trinity icon, representing the warm, collegiate feel of the community at the heart of the institution. As a decorative element, the inner sun offers designers flexibility that the Trinity icon does not. Use as a subtle design element. Use it in place of bullet points or as a location marker for Trinity University on a map.
Keep uses small, never oversized, and do not flip it.
Social Media
Official Handles
Use the sun icon in one of two ways for handles that represent the university as a whole, such as TrinityU.
Departments, Offices, And Schools
Academic departments, offices, and schools can request from SCM their own text-based social media avatar which fits into the template shown here.
Download Logos
University Seal
Use of the Trinity University seal is limited to official administration offices such as the Office of the President and other Trinity Board-sponsored applications. Contact Strategic Communications and Marketing at marketing@trinity.edu for guidelines on the usage of the University seal.
Spirit Logo
The Trinity University Spirit Logo has been designed to reflect a fierce, competitive attitude and spirit across campus. In addition to use in athletics settings, it can also be used for applications where school spirit is promoted.
Brand Guidelines