Because our identity represents the University at the very highest level, it’s vitally important to our brand. It acts as a signature, an identifier and a stamp of quality. It is, and should always be, the most consistent component in our communications.
To maintain this consistency, the guidelines in this section should be followed.
A single, unified identity and language has great benefits for our University. More specifically, the development of a common nomenclature and hierarchy will help us deliver the brand clearly and compellingly.
In copy, our full name, “Benedictine University”, should always be used for the first reference. In all subsequent references, BenU is appropriate.
NOTE: THERE ARE NO OTHER APPROVED NAMES FOR THE UNIVERSITY.
Benedictine University
‘BEN-UH-DIK-TIN’
BenU
The Benedictine University primary lockup, used for most applications, contains two elements:
the wordmark and the banner. They should never be separated or altered, but always used as
shown in this section of the guidelines. Never typeset the University name instead of using the
official logo.
Represents banners from our past and current seal
Reflects the cross from the Saint Benedict Medal
Represent the C, S, P, and B from the Saint Benedict Medal, which stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, “The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict”
If the communications piece is going to external audiences and coming from the University as a whole, then use the master brand logo on the front. If the communications piece is going to external audiences but coming from a branch of the University (like Lisle or Mesa), then use a campus-specific logo on the front.
File downloads are provided as ZIP compressed folders containing the logo files. To open a ZIP folder, right-click on the folder and select Extract All, then click Extract. EPS files can only be opened in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator. Provide EPS files to vendors who request a vector file, or direct them to this page.
The vertical and horizontal lockups are designed for special applications. They should never replace the primary lockup, but should only be used when space restrictions require them.
Request an Alternate Master Brand Lockup
The primary logo should appear only in the versions shown here.
The two-color version of the logo, which appears in the primary BenU colors, is used in most situations. If printing restrictions are an issue, one of the one-color versions can be used. When placing on black or another dark background color, use the two-color version with a white fill behind the banner.
File downloads are provided as ZIP compressed folders containing the logo files. To open a ZIP folder, right-click on the folder and select Extract All, then click Extract. EPS files can only be opened in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator. Provide EPS files to vendors who request a vector file, or direct them to this page.
File downloads are provided as ZIP compressed folders containing the logo files. To open a ZIP folder, right-click on the folder and select Extract All, then click Extract. EPS files can only be opened in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator. Provide EPS files to vendors who request a vector file, or direct them to this page.
These versions of the logo should be used only if printing restrictions require it.
File downloads are provided as ZIP compressed folders containing the logo files. To open a ZIP folder, right-click on the folder and select Extract All, then click Extract. EPS files can only be opened in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator. Provide EPS files to vendors who request a vector file, or direct them to this page.
When placing the logo over photos, there are two things to consider. If the photo is dark, use the reversed-out one-color version of the logo. If the photo is bright with a large light area, then use the two-color version.
Follow these placement rules when using the logo.
With emails, use the logo on the header element and sign-off. Do not typeset the University name. Do not use more than two logos on a communications piece.
On the web, use the logo in the header and footer. Do not typeset the University name. Do not use more than two logos on a communications piece.
To learn about when to use the master brand logo versus the brand extension, clarifier or sub-brands, see the brand architecture section.
Using the logo consistently is critical to our brand’s integrity. Following these simple rules will ensure a clear and compelling visual brand across all of our communications.
Whenever possible, use the logo at its preferred size (1.25 inches) for all applications. Never reproduce the logo at widths smaller than 1 inch or 72 pixels. (If it’s absolutely necessary to print it smaller than 1 inch, the logo is still legible at 0.75 inches.) There is no maximum size limit, but use discretion when sizing the logo. It should never be the dominant element on the page; instead it should live comfortably and clearly as a signature.
We need to ensure that clear space is maintained around the logo. That way, it’s always legible and has room to breathe. Photos, text and graphic elements must follow this guideline. Use the upper section of the banner as shown to gauge the clearance around all four sides of the lockup.
Here are a few examples of practices to avoid.
Do not rearrange the logo elements.
Do not use drop shadows with the logo.
Do not stretch or compress the logo.
Do not change the font or recreate the logo for any reason.
Do not add an outline or stroke to any part of the logo.
Never use the banner alone without the wordmark.
Use these rules when working with the master brand logo and the “B” spirit mark on internal
communications pieces only. We define “internal communications” by our internal audiences:
the campus community, current students, alumni and friends. We never use the “B” spirit mark
on pieces for external audiences (Athletics is the only exception).
The master brand logo is the primary mark and must be present on all University communications.
The “B” spirit mark should be used as a secondary brand element. It should never replace the master brand mark. Instead it should be used on internal materials only (that is, communications for our campus community, current students, alumni and friends) in conjunction with the master brand logo.
Our cross is sacred and it should be treated as such. When it seems inappropriate to use the master brand logo on a tactic, such as on a campus floor mat, then the “B” spirit mark may be used.
Banners on campus, notebooks and alumni pieces.
The University seal is a symbol of authenticity. It should not be used for brand communications in the way a logo is used. Instead, the seal should only appear on official documents from the highest level of the University (such as diplomas and the Office of the President).
