For the past few weeks, I have been hunting down, scanning, and rebuilding (using Illustrator) all of the logos from Multnomah's history. While I was at it, I did a little bit of research and recorded the approximate years during which each logo was used. I finished the project earlier this week, so what you see here is the fruit of my labor; the digital archiving of Multnomah's branding history.

The Logos

1951-1980

This is the logo that started it all! Easily the most difficult to re-create, the "globe logo" was used for almost 30 years, making it our longest-lasting logo to date.

1981-1985

I hear a lot of opinions about this logo (I'll call it the "dove logo"). Graphically, it is strong and easily my favorite Multnomah logo. It's heavy symbolism and lack of an accompanying name also makes it one of the most controversial logos in the school's history (ok, maybe "controversial" is too strong... it does get talked about a lot, though). I've heard stories about different interpretations of the meaning of this logo. Please share yours below in the comments.

1986-1990

The second logo adopted in the 80's, this one kept the Bible as a key element and added the name.

Interesting factoid: this logo was still featured on our paychecks in 2004.

1991-1993

I dubbed this the "cursive logo". It is by far the simplest, but also the least unique... possibly the reason it only lasted a couple years?

Now we're talking! Sometime in 1990 or 1991, the Multnomah "seal" was introduced as the logo for the Graduate School. It held on during the Seminary transition, too. This logo has been so popular, that it is still the primary element of our logo today.

1994-1999

This is the beginning of another logo with many interpretations. What do you see? Bible pages? A stylized "M"? A harp? A pitchfork or multi-bladed sickle? You be the judge. (If you have the right answer, kindly leave it in the comments below)

2000-2004

And then there was color! With these logos (all variations of already-existing logos) began the era of color-coding each division of the school, with green as the "institutional" color. This was the state of Multnomah's branding when I was hired; strong elements to work with, but a serious need condense it all into something simpler.

2004-2008

Utilizing the strongest elements of each logo, the green and black Multnomah "seal" became the primary logo in 2004. The institutional logo simply said Multnomah until 2008.

2004-Now

The only variation from logo to logo was the division that was listed underneath. The College and Seminary logos are still in use today.

2008-Now

When the institutional name became Multnomah University, the blank space below the "institutional logo" was filled. As you know, the College and Seminary all exist (and have their own logos as shown above) under the "umbrella" of Multnomah University. For instance, you will notice that publications that deal specifically with the Seminary utilize the Seminary logo. But when a publication applies to multiple divisions of the school, the University logo is used.

2009-Now

Last but not least, we have our "side by side" logo. Originally created for occasions when there is no room for taller version of our logo (see above), we started to realize that this lower-profile logo looked good in multiple circumstances. These days, you probably see (and may have noticed) that we use this one more often than the other.

Let's Hear Those Stories!

Almost every person I've spoken with about Multnomah's logos who has worked at or attended the school has something to say about "their" logo. Dr. Friesen, for one, had some very amusing stories about the first students who came up with alternative symbolism for the "dove" logo (something about professors piling huge amounts of homework on their weary students).

Post your stories in the comments below. Let's see how many legends and tales are floating around out there!

Recently, in the back of a closet we ran across an original, hand-sewn banner for "Multnomah School of the Bible". It has a logo that was in use during the 1980's and 1990's.

Signs of the Times

Our undergrad admissions team is showing it off below. They thought it would be funny to stand in front of current campus signs! (It just seemed wrong to do it in front of the Seminary, though.)

Meet the Gals:

• Lisa
• Vanessa
• Laura

The Maker

On the back, in a corner, is the tag pictured here. This banner was "Made Especially For Us By Martha Sleeper". Her alumni record type goes back too far for our databases, so our Registrar had to find her student information in the old permanent files (Thanks, Amy!). She was born in 1929 as Martha McNutt. She was a student here from 1949-1951 and married Dick Sleeper who earned his MSB Diploma in 1951 - then came back and finished his full bachelor's degree in 2000!

This banner truly was made lovingly - the stitching is so precise and it's still holding up almost like it was new!

The Logo

We are looking for anyone out there who knows what the symbols in that logo from 1980 stand for. Contact us at procom@multnomah.edu if you can help!

In the Meantime - Diamond Anniversary

We will, from-time-to-time, be digging out other nuggets of history and posting them in anticipation of our historic 75th Anniversary. Stay tuned!

Reflection

At Multnomah, we ask many things of our president. Among them a "reflection," if you will, in the form of an annual report.

2009 President's Annual Report (PDF)

Looking Forward

In "looking forward," we've also asked Dr. Dan to star in an online video series where he discusses issues facing Multnomah and what we all might expect in the future. But far be it from him to simply lecture (it's not a classroom, afterall) - these videos are intended to be sparks that will bring feedback from you! As such, we've named the series "Conversations with Dr. Dan".

Enjoy!

Read about it at Inside Higher Ed

Note how the students and alumni are the ones who suffer - and if they suffer, it can start a domino effect of more learning not being done, credits not transferring, ministries not started, and on and on - this is the nature of being biblical higher education - and what makes it different from the local church's mission. Perhaps you can join us in praying for Northland.

Multnomah's Accreditation

Learn more about Multnomah's accreditation, the process, and benefits therein. While you're there, brush up on the doctrinal statement and mission statements!

Why?

Because there will be new official sweatshirts and t-shirts just in time for the new semester. You spoke, we listened. It will be collegiate and classic - and most of all - quality!

Sneak Peak

But seriously, help them get rid of the old stuff too!

I won't mention any names, but I'll shamelessly plug his blog here!

This would appear to be a problem since we're calling Reno-Tahoe our first extension site...so I did some sleuthing (big thanks to Dr. Lockwood for pointing me in the right direction).

Was Reno The First?

Upon further research, we have come up with this general consensus:

Stats

• In the 1950's and 1960's, Drs. John Mitchell and Willard Aldrich used to travel to various locations in the Northwest and conduct Bible classes.
• These included at least Puget Sound/Tacoma, Eugene, Spokane, Shasta, and Reno. There may have been others.
• It is true, some expired and others have developed into independent Bible institutes.
• Shasta has become Shasta Bible College and is now accredited by TRACS (the Trans-national Accrediting Association).
• Spokane eventually was taken over by Moody Bible Institute.
• The one in Tacoma/Puget sound became Cascade Bible College and approached us for a merger in the 1990's. We were not prepared to take it over. Eventually it was absorbed by Antioch Bible Church and merged with their Imago Dei Institute.
• Reno had several incarnations, but never made it until Meadows Bible Institute emerged - which is now MU Reno-Tahoe.

Conclusions

• None of these were ever intended to become extension sites of Multnomah.
• Dr. Mitchell certainly never indicated that he envisioned a network of Multnomah campuses around the Northwest and West.
• He was willing to help others get a work like Multnomah started and then let them develop independently if they desired.
• Therefore, there were no Multnomah School of the Bible extension sites.
• We understand them as good-faith efforts of the early founders to do ministry in other cities, but not to develop extension sites for Multnomah School of the Bible per se.

There You Have It!

How's that for a history lesson? I should write a textbook (*imagine my sarcastic intonation here)!

Honestly, who steals letters?

Some possible theories from around campus:

• Since the "pink mist" (that means that engagements and love is in the air with students) is floating in spring, perhaps someone is trying to propose or otherwise proclaim their love with the golden letters of "love"?
• Maybe it is tennis players from nearby Montavilla Park since "love" means "nothing" to them!
• Maybe there is something malicious afoot where someone is trying to make a statement about no "love" in MU?
• Perhaps our Advancement department is holding an elaborate fundraiser where "love" is being held hostage and only one letter at a time will be released as ransom is paid?
• Maybe I couldn't think of anything better to blog about so I trooped out in the rain, in my suit, with an expensive camera, and staged it for giggles? (Nope. Campus Services would be ticked!)

Well, honestly, we don't know what happened or why. Maybe the letters will resurface? Probably not.

Oh well...any ideas? Anyone?

The name change necessitated our new University sign which now joins our public face along Glisan Street. The Mulnomah seal is now affixed to the signs at our new extension campus in Reno, Nevada indicating their new name.

Building Facelifts and Dorm Upgrades
The Campus Support Services department has been hard at work upgrading things all around campus this summer. The last phase of the Memorial Dorm remodel was completed (I can almost hear the cheers from students now!).

Our Faculty annex (Helen-Carlson House) as well as our music and classroom building (Bradley Hall) received some paint, paneling, new windows, some new HVAC and nice landscaping (Again, cheers from the faculty and students!).

Multnomah commuter students have some classy new digs in the JCA Student Center.

We also have a new map as you pull into campus.

It may sound trite to say so, but there really have been too many improvements to mention them all. Come visit. It won't be hard to spot all the "signs" of progress here at Multnomah.

Name Change Brings Web Change
When we first started discussing the name change we knew it would have an impact on our web presence. It really came down to a couple of options for what that would look like. We could do some touch up work on our current site (a band-aid really) or suck it up and rebuild the whole thing. Seeing how it was really about time for an overhaul, the process is now under way to come up with a brand-new look and feel as well as a new site structure.

New Challenges
A change of name for a well established institution means different things depending on who you ask. To me, university is a big name trying to bring together all that Multnomah does and is. Multnomah serves a diverse group of people all seeking very different things. We still have our traditional college and seminary students, but Multnomah has grown to offer other programs such as online education, graduate degrees in teaching, and a degree completion program. Multnomah also has a thriving alumni and contributor community. In fact, the list of those with vested interest in Multnomah is a very long one. All of these impact our decisions as we move forward on a website redesign. Our website, which is really your website, must be relevant to you.

More then just a cosmetic change, we are really striving to tailor Multnomah’s new website to meet the needs of these diverse groups, and to be quickly navigable, making the information you want easy to find.

The Wait
A fresh, new look, relevant/current information, well organized structure… it all sounds really good, doesn’t it? Well it won’t be up by July 1st. That is for certain. We are still in the beginning phases of research and analysis ([cough], the fun stuff). I am already excited to see what all the Multnomah site is going be. Now, I really don't expect you to just sit there and wait. What changes/additions to the Multnomah site could help you? Let us know what you think.

1. (Current Students) When I graduate, since the Bible College and Biblical Seminary will still exist under the University name, will I get a Bible College/Biblical Seminary diploma/transcript, a University diploma/transcript, my choice of either, or both automatically?
2. (Alumni as of May 2007) If I need it for missions to closed countries or to get into public work (like teaching), can I "exchange" my diploma/transcripts for a version that is titled "Multnomah University"? Can I get a new one for any reason?
3. (Future Graduates as of or after December 2008) Can I get two diplomas stating both the "University" name and the name of my division ("Bible College" or "Biblical Seminary")?

Answer to number 1 (current students graduating in December 2007 or May 2008):

The name change to "Multnomah University" will not be effective until July 1, 2008. As a result, any December 2007 and May 2008 (current year) Multnomah graduates will still receive a diploma with the name of "Multnomah Bible College" or "Multnomah Biblical Seminary". All transcripts will continue to bear the name "Multnomah Bible College and Seminary". However, ALL graduates for this current academic year will be eligible to request a different diploma with the new "Multnomah University" name on or after July 1, 2008 free of charge. All such requests will be processed by the office of the registrar.

Transcripts are not able to be changed to any name other than the name of the institution at the time of graduation. All college students who graduate after July 1, 2008 will begin to receive "Multnomah University" diplomas and transcripts. All seminary students who graduate after July 1, 2008 will receive "Multnomah Biblical Seminary" diplomas, but they will receive "Multnomah University" transcripts.

Answer to number 2 (alumni as of May 2007):

Any previous year graduates apart from this current academic year requesting a different diploma with the new "Multnomah University" name may do so on or after July 1, 2008 and will be charged a fee for the service of processing such requests as is common in cases like this with institutions of higher education. The price of the diploma change fee will be determined before the name change becomes effective on July 1, 2008. All such requests will be processed by the office of the registrar. Transcripts are not eligible for modification.

Answer to number 3 (Future Graduates as of or after December 2008):

Any future college graduates (on or after December 2008 graduation), having already earned the standard "Multnomah University" diploma, may request a second diploma with the name of the "Multnomah Bible College" division. Likewise, any seminary graduates (on or after December 2008 graduation), having already earned the standard "Multnomah Biblical Seminary" diploma may request a second diploma with the name of "Multnomah University". All such requests will be handled by the office of the registrar and will incur a processing fee as is common in cases like this with institutions of higher education. The extra diploma fee will be determined before July 1, 2008.

These policies will be re-evaluated periodically and are subject to change in accordance with decision making policies set forth in Multnomah's by-laws. Evaluating and documenting the successes and shortcomings of the above policies will be an ongoing priority for Multnomah as we seek to serve our students and alumni better.