The Evolution of Penn State's Iconic Logo

In 1983, Fran Fisher, the former voice of Penn State football, engaged in a conversation with Joe Paterno during a plane ride about redesigning the university's logo, which would eventually lead to its widespread recognition.

The initiative began when Fisher attended a licensing committee meeting focused on creating a new visual identity for the Intercollegiate Athletic Department. The committee aimed to develop a logo that could represent all 20 campuses and generate revenue through licensing.

Fisher collaborated with Roy Parcels from Dixon & Parcels Associates to design a logo that would distinguish the Nittany Lion from other mascots, as many schools used similar animal representations. The design was influenced by the Nittany Lion statue and aimed to convey dignity rather than ferocity. The final logo, along with a redesigned wordmark, became a symbol of Penn State pride, leading to significant revenue through merchandise licensing and partnerships, including a lucrative contract with Adidas.