Q: What are the new changes to the University’s
athletics logo and brand? Why were these changes made, and why are
the changes important?
A: 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.
Q: How did you decide on the new athletic logo and
how long did the process take?
A: 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.
Q: Why did the University change its nickname from
Redmen to Red Storm in the first place?
A: 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.
Q: 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?
A: 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.
Q: Is “Red Storm” the permanent nickname for St.
John’s athletic teams? What happened to Thunder, the last known St.
John’s mascot?
A: 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.