Scarlet and White: Exploring the History of Boston University's Colors and Symbols

Boston University (BU), a private research university with a rich history, boasts a vibrant identity expressed through its colors, mascot, and symbols. From its humble beginnings as a Methodist theological school to its current status as a leading global research institution, BU's visual identity has evolved, reflecting its traditions and aspirations.

The Founding and Early Years

Boston University traces its roots to 1839 with the establishment of the Newbury Biblical Institute in Newbury, Vermont. Founded by Boston Methodists, the institution underwent several transformations, including moves to Concord, New Hampshire, and later to Boston. In 1869, the Massachusetts Legislature officially chartered "Boston University."

The founders, Isaac Rich, Lee Claflin, and Jacob Sleeper, were successful Boston businessmen and Methodist laymen deeply involved in educational endeavors. Their commitment to education and inclusion is reflected in the university's charter, which states that no instructor should be required to profess any particular religious opinions and that no student should be refused admission based on their religious beliefs.

The University Seal: A Symbol of Heritage

The official Boston University seal, designed by the university's first president, William Fairfield Warren, shortly after its chartering in 1869, encapsulates the institution's Christian heritage and aims. The seal features the arms of the Holy Cross, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian tradition. This seal is reserved for formal occasions, such as diplomas, and can be found on the cornerstone of many university buildings, including Marsh Chapel.

The Coat of Arms: Learning, Virtue, and Piety

While the seal represents BU's historical roots, the university's coat of arms, or crest, is a distinct symbol with its own unique history. Commissioned in the 1940s by school president Daniel L. Marsh from the New England Historic Genealogical Society’s Heraldry Committee, the coat of arms builds upon the seal's cross, adding three gold crowns. According to Kathleen Kilgore in Transformations: A History of Boston University, these crowns allude to the arms of the city of Boston, England, and the University of Oxford.

The motto "Learning, Virtue, and Piety," taken directly from the university charter, embodies the core values of Boston University. These principles guide the institution's academic mission and its commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

Scarlet and White: The Official Colors

The choice of scarlet and white as Boston University's official colors is deeply symbolic. Scarlet, representing fire and blood, signifies passion, energy, and sacrifice. White, on the other hand, symbolizes the blending of all colors of life, representing unity, purity, and inclusivity. Together, these colors embody the vibrant and diverse community that defines Boston University.

Rhett the Terrier: A Beloved Mascot

The Boston Terrier, affectionately known as Rhett, has been the official mascot of Boston University since 1917. This breed was chosen because it was first bred in 1839, the same year the university was founded. The image of the Boston Terrier has become an integral part of the Boston University Terriers logo, representing the spirit, tenacity, and loyalty of the university's athletic teams.

Evolution of the Terrier Logo

The Boston University Terriers logo has undergone several redesigns throughout the years, reflecting the changing times and design trends.

1960 - 1980: The original logo featured a somewhat "creepy" image of a terrier's head in a dramatic red-and-white color palette with a thick black outline.
1980 - 1996: A more modern and balanced logo was introduced, featuring slanted, two-leveled lettering in red capitals with a black-and-white image of a terrier in profile.
1996 - 2005: The terrier was redesigned in a cartoonish style, set against a vertically oriented rectangular red background with the university's name in white shadowed serif characters.
2005 - 2015: A brighter and more geometric version of the logo was introduced, with a black terrier and a geometric serif "BU" abbreviation in two shades of red.
2015 - Today: The current logo features a vivid scarlet-red, giving the logo a fresher and more modern look.

The Boston University Terriers' primary logo utilizes a geometric serif typeface for its uppercase lettering, a traditional choice for American colleges and their athletic programs.

Athletics at Boston University

The Boston University Terriers are the athletic teams representing the university. With 24 sports teams competing in the first Division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), BU has a strong athletic presence. The university competes in the Patriot League and Hockey East conferences. Hockey is a particularly prominent sport at BU, with the university having won 30 of the 66 titles in the annual Beanpot men’s hockey tournament, competing against Harvard, Northeastern University, and Boston College.

Superstitions and Traditions

Among the many traditions at Boston University, there is a popular superstition surrounding the BU seal located on Marsh Plaza. It is said that students who step on the seal before graduation day will not graduate. Despite the superstition, it has become a rite of passage for graduating seniors to take photos on the seal during Commencement.

Campus Expansion and Transformation

Over the years, Boston University has undergone significant physical transformations, expanding its campus and adding new facilities.

Early Expansion: Seeking to unify a geographically scattered school, school president Lemuel Murlin arranged that the school buy the present campus along the Charles River. Between 1920 and 1928, the school bought the 15 acres (61,000 m2) of land that had been reclaimed from the river by the Riverfront Improvement Association.
Mid-20th Century Growth: Under the direction of President Harold C. Case, the campus tripled in size to 45 acres (180,000 m2), and added 68 new buildings between 1951 and 1967.
Recent Developments: Since 2006, the Charles River and Medical Campuses have seen the addition of new buildings, playing fields, and dormitory renovations. These include a 26-floor student residence, the New Balance Playing Field, the Yawkey Center for Student Services, and the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering, among others.

These developments reflect Boston University's commitment to providing its students with state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic learning environment.

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

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