What are the new changes to the
University’s athletics logo and brand? Why were these changes made,
and why are the changes important?
The University’s athletics logo has changed from its former Nike
logo (first utilized on uniforms in 1998-99) to a new Nike logo,
which debuts in August 2006. This new brand incorporates the St.
John’s athletic tradition – including the original school colors
(red and white) – with the ability to highlight the initials “STJ”
and incorporate a new, vertical look to our logo.
St. John’s had to address the issue that the University never
owned the acronym “SJU.” SJU is copyrighted by St. Joseph’s
University in Philadelphia, Pa., and St. John’s College in
Minnesota uses the acronym with permission from St. Joseph’s.
At St. John’s, we wanted to create our own identity, and, with
the help of Nike, established a new athletic logo featuring STJ –
an acronym that we, as a University, have used in a variety of ways
for more than 40 years, and an acronym that we, as a University,
can copyright and own.
How did you decide on the new athletic
logo and how long did the process take?
The University held several focus groups with key administrators,
University personnel and our entire coaching staff before coming to
a final decision. Nike Inc. presented nearly 30 designs
before the final one was chosen. The overall process took about 18
months.
Why did the University change its nickname
from Redmen to Red Storm in the first place?
The decision was made to change the nickname in 1994. At the time,
colleges nationwide were becoming more sensitive to mounting Native
American concerns in reference to collegiate and professional team
nicknames that reference Native American culture. Although the
nickname “Redmen” was instituted because the men of St. John’s wore
red, and did not have an original basis in Native American culture,
it did eventually evolve into a nickname that referenced Native
American symbology. St. John’s wanted to make a change that would
stay true to its tradition, but also be distinctive and unique.
Thus, the new nickname Red Storm was born.
What do you say to alumni and friends of
the University who were not supportive back in 1994 and now have
another change to accept?
The changes were made for the good of the University in both
instances. We are very aware of our alumni’s concerns and
appreciate both their support and the storied tradition of our
athletic programs. We hope our supporters will embrace this change,
and that fans will take to the STJ acronym and new logo over
time.
Is “Red Storm” the permanent nickname for
St. John’s athletic teams? What happened to Thunder, the last
known St. John’s mascot?
The “Red Storm” nickname is here to stay. The University defines
Red Storm as the following:
"Red” is the color of St. John’s. Red is for passion. A passion
for helping others, a passion for tradition, scholarship, spirit
and success. Red is for opportunity, on the fields of play and
off.
“Storm” is a movement. A united group of people working toward
the greater good. It is a network between the past and the present.
It is about belonging to something bigger than one’s self.
“Red Storm” is an uprising. A movement of the sum – all working
as a team with dignity, pride, determination, respect, and without
fear. The uprising may be quiet or it may be fierce, but it is
always with heart and passion.
Thunder the mascot has been discontinued for some years. There
is not a new mascot as of yet, but plans for a new mascot may be
considered for the future.