Binghamton University Logo: A Visual History

Binghamton University, officially known as the State University of New York at Binghamton (SUNY Binghamton), has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1946. From its humble beginnings as Triple Cities College to its current status as a prestigious public research university, Binghamton has evolved significantly. Along with its academic growth, the university's visual identity has also undergone transformations, reflecting its changing mission and aspirations. This article explores the history of the Binghamton University logo, tracing its evolution from the early days to the present.

The Origins: From Triple Cities College to Harpur College

Binghamton University was founded in 1946 as Triple Cities College, a satellite campus of Syracuse University, to serve the needs of veterans returning from World War II. In 1950, it separated from Syracuse and became Harpur College, named after Robert Harpur, a colonial teacher and pioneer in the Binghamton area. During these early years, the institution's visual identity was likely tied to Syracuse University or focused on simple, institutional branding. Unfortunately, specific details about the logos used during this period are scarce.

The Rise of the Bearcats: A New Era in Athletics

In 1999, Binghamton University underwent a significant change when it reclassified to NCAA Division I. This transition marked a new era for the university's athletic program, and with it came the need for a new mascot. The university bid farewell to the Colonial and introduced the Bearcat, a gender-neutral, powerful, and dignified symbol. According to John Hartrick, Associate Director of Athletics and co-chair of the logo design committee, the Bearcat was chosen to represent "a mythical animal that combines the power and ferocity of a bear with the cunning and quickness of a cat."

The First Bearcats Logo (1999-2014)

The initial Bearcats logo, introduced in 1999, featured a depiction of the Bearcat mascot. The dominant color for all Binghamton University communications materials is deep green (PMS 342), which was prominently featured in the logo. The design also incorporated several other colors, including grey, red, light green, two shades of grey, black, and white, adding depth and visual interest.

Baxter the Bearcat

In 2001, Binghamton's Bearcat was officially named "Baxter" during Midnight Madness, a popular event celebrating the start of basketball season. Baxter quickly became a beloved figure on campus, embodying the spirit and pride of the Binghamton Bearcats. Baxter's popularity was further solidified when he won the SUNY Mascot Madness competition in both 2014 and 2015.

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A Modernized Look: The 2014 Redesign

In 2014, the Binghamton Bearcats logo underwent a redesign, aiming to modernize the university's visual identity while retaining the core elements of the Bearcat mascot.

Key Changes

The redesign primarily focused on the lettering and banner elements of the logo. The graphical representation of the Bearcat remained untouched, preserving the established mascot imagery. The most significant changes were made to the bottom area of the badge, where the university name was displayed.

The updated logo featured a three-tiered banner. The top level was occupied by the word "Binghamton" in a large, white font, adopting the same style previously used for "Bearcats." The word "University," rendered in silver, was moved to the middle level, with diagonally sharp borders. Finally, the bright green "Bearcats" was positioned along the bottom black line of the banner.

The Bearcats Logo Today

The 2014 redesign of the Binghamton Bearcats logo remains in use today. It represents a refined and contemporary visual identity for the university's athletic program. The logo continues to be a symbol of pride for Binghamton students, alumni, and fans, embodying the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.

A Look Back at Binghamton's Mascots: From Burros to Bearcats

Before the Bearcat became the face of Binghamton athletics, the university had a series of other mascots, each with its own unique story.

Harpo the Mexican Burro

In 1954, four years after the founding of Harpur College, a project was launched to choose a mascot. The Mexican Burro was chosen as the first official mascot. The senior class sponsored the election and purchased a live burro as a graduation gift to the school. Harpo the Mexican Burro was tethered to the flagpole but became aggressive, kicking and biting students. President Glenn G. Bartle ordered Harpo to be removed after a short and tumultuous tenure.

Colonial Bill and Colonial Woody

After the removal of Harpo, Binghamton's athletic teams, then known as the Colonials, were without a mascot for many years. In the 1980s, students stepped up to fill the void, creating unofficial mascots that brought spirit and enthusiasm to games.

In the 1980-81 basketball season, sophomore Bill Paolillo '83 donned a Paul Revere costume and tri-cornered hat from the Salvation Army, becoming "Colonial Bill." After Colonial Bill graduated in 1983, Neil Berg '86 took on the role, becoming "Colonial Woody," known for his Woody Allen-style glasses. Berg even borrowed a horse from the equestrian team, riding into dining halls to promote upcoming games.

The Dickinson Chicken and Ballhead

In the 1990s, Kris Ahrend '92, president of Dickinson Town Council (DTC), rented a chicken costume to be Dickinson's unofficial mascot for a basketball game. The stunt was successful, and the University bought the chicken suit.

During the 1990s, a number of students took on the role of "Ballhead," wearing a basketball on their heads with green and white facepaint. While not official mascots, Ballhead became a staple at basketball games, adding to the spirited atmosphere.

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Binghamton University: A Legacy of Growth and Transformation

Since its establishment in 1946, Binghamton University has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. From its early days as a small college serving returning veterans to its current status as a leading research university, Binghamton has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the wider community.

Academic Excellence

Binghamton University provides a top-notch education through six schools and 130-plus academic programs. The university offers several exclusive honors programs and world-class research opportunities for students of all majors. Harpur College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest of Binghamton's schools. The College of Community and Public Affairs offers an undergraduate major in human development as well as graduate programs in social work; public administration; student affairs administration; human rights; sustainable communities (with Harpur College), public health (with Decker College), and teaching, learning and educational leadership. The Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences was established in 1969. The school offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees in nursing. The School of Management was established in 1970. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in management, finance, information science, marketing, accounting, and operations and business analytics. The Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science was founded in 1983, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, biomedical engineering, systems science and industrial engineering, materials science and engineering, and computer science. The Graduate School administers advanced-degree programs and awards degrees through the seven component colleges above. The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the newest school at Binghamton, offers doctoral degrees in pharmacy and pharmacology.

A Vibrant Campus Community

Binghamton University's main campus in Vestal is spread over 930 acres (3.8 km2) on a wooded hillside above the Susquehanna River. The campus features a 190 acres (0.77 km2) Nature Preserve. The Glenn G. Bartle Library contains collections in the humanities, social sciences, government documents, and collections in mathematical and computer sciences. The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts complex has three proscenium stages. The University Union is divided into two sections. The Events Center is one of the area's largest venues for athletics, concerts, fairs and more. Residence halls at Binghamton are grouped into seven communities.

Binghamton University Traditions

Binghamton has many traditions that have stood the test of time. Hinman Hysteria has taken place every year since 1978, and it is still going strong. University Fest is yet another tradition that Binghamton students donât want to miss!

Leadership Through the Years

The first president of Harpur College, who began as dean of Triple Cities College, was Glenn Bartle. The second president, George Bruce Dearing, served several years before leaving to become vice chancellor for academic affairs at the SUNY Central Administration in Albany. Next was C. Clifford D. Lois B. DeFleur became the university's fifth president upon Clark's retirement in 1990. On November 22, 2011, the SUNY Board of Trustees appointed Harvey G. Stenger, Jr. as the seventh president of Binghamton University, effective January 1, 2012. In November 2025, Anne D'Alleva will succeed Stenger as Binghamton University's eighth president.

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