ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ

Skip to Main Content

ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Athletics unveils new brand with Highmark re-opening

Published: 02/03/2025

ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Athletics rebranding unveiled during Highmark renovations

As ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ opened the doors of its newly renovated Highmark Events Center on January 15, 2025, ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ’s Athletics pulled down the curtain on unveiling the new, bold brand identity for the Golden Knights that embodies the university's rich history of athletic achievement and competitive excellence.  

A new custom typeface, wordmarks and monograms, along with accompanying visual elements were thoughtfully crafted to reflect the values that have propelled ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ's student-athletes to success: resilience, integrity and a relentless pursuit of greatness.  

The typeface incorporates elements that symbolize the tip of a sword. The sword symbol then appears within the new wordmarks and GU monogram for a modernized, yet traditional look. The sword also appears in an “814” logo encapsulated in the shape of Pennsylvania, boldly calling claim to our location. These new items work to seamlessly integrate with the well-known and powerful Golden Knight logo that has been a symbol of ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ’s athletic programs for more than 25 years, which remains unchanged along with the continued use of ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ’s classic maroon and gold. 

"We knew it was time to evolve our athletics brand to better reflect the caliber of our athletic programs and to visually unite our student-athletes proudly reinforcing them as the ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Golden Knights. The opportunity we had to accomplish this in conjunction with the reopening of the Highmark Events Center was not to be missed,” said Andy Lapiska, associate director of marketing and communications at ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ who oversaw the project. “The walls of the new space were a blank canvas just waiting to be brought to life with these powerful new visuals.”  

“We know that our student-athletes are far-reaching representatives of the university and serve as ambassadors to our mission and brand,” said Lisa Goddard McGuirk, director of athletics at ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ. “The new brand is a celebration of our legacy, our commitment to excellence and our vision for the future. It symbolizes who we are as a community and where we are headed.” 

ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ has long been recognized for its competitive edge across a variety of sports. The university's athletic programs have earned numerous conference titles and national rankings, with student-athletes consistently excelling on and off the field.  

ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Athletics also earned back-to-back Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's Dixon Trophies in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and came in as a close runner up in the 2023-24 year. The Dixon Trophy honors the overall best athletic program among the 18 PSAC schools.  

The Highmark Events Center, a cutting-edge facility that has been a hub for athletic events, student gatherings and community engagement, serves as the perfect backdrop for this brand launch. With upgraded seating, advanced technology and enhanced amenities, the center reflects ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ's commitment to providing top-tier resources for its athletes and fans. 

The new brand is reflected throughout the Highmark Events Center, from court designs to signage and larger-than-life wall art, ensuring that visitors experience the spirit of ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Athletics as soon as they step inside. Beyond the facility, the refreshed identity will be featured on uniforms, merchandise and digital platforms, creating a consistent and recognizable presence for ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ's athletic programs. 

While the new branding can’t be missed when you walk into the newly renovated Highmark Events Center, ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ’s athletic teams are not yet sporting the new look. The University Advancement department along with ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Athletics are currently working to secure funding to update the uniforms and protective gear of nearly 700 student athletes with the new branding, as well as continue to update the imagery around other ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ athletic fields and facilities.  

To support the Golden Knight Athletics and our student athletes, please consider a gift to  

Thank you to Route 1A Advertising for their collaboration on the creation of the new branding that signifies ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Athletics’ bright future and a continued dedication to building champions both on the field and in life.