In 2005, the price of gas was $2.34 a gallon, Carrie Underwood won American Idol, and “Revenge of the Sith” was playing in theaters. It was also the last time the San Diego Community College District made a significant update to its visual identity.
In an effort to better engage students and the community, the SDCCD is set to roll out a new set of logos, introduce “Be. Belong. Become.” as its new tagline, and launch a redesigned website on Sunday, September 15.
“The district’s current logo was created in 2005 and refreshed in 2017,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “Since then, much has changed in the world, and it was time to assess how well the district’s current visual identity system reflects the SDCCD’s purpose within the community and how that fits with the vision set out by our 2030 Strategic Plan.”
On September 15, SDCCD employees will be able to access the new logos, as well a brand toolkit with templates for business collateral, PowerPoint slides, email signatures, and other resources at: sdccd.edu/brand
Introduction of the new branding will take place throughout the 2024-25 academic year and beyond. Employees are strongly encouraged to use up existing materials, before submitting orders for new items.
Included in the new visual identity system are new logos and wordmarks for the district
as well as its four colleges, San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College,
and College of Continuing Education. The logos, developed by Selbert Perkins Design,
are part of a rebranding for the district and follow more than a year of input from
thousands of stakeholders who said the district and colleges should be more closely
aligned. Also based on feedback, the colleges will retain their colors, and the district
is introducing cyan blue as its primary color to help differentiate it from Miramar
College. Both previously used teal green.
Students, employees and friends in the community selected the new district logo via
an online survey after 12 preliminary designs were narrowed to three finalists. The
new primary logo features a sunburst design, which replaces the six-pointed star design
utilized in various designs since the district was founded in 1973.
“The sunburst logo design is inspired by the radiating energy of the sun,” said SDCCD Director of Communications and Public Relations Jack Beresford. "It serves as a beacon of inspiration, unity, positivity, and growth across the district and colleges – which are themselves reflected in the colors of the rays. The dynamic design reflects the ever-evolving nature of education, as well as the district’s dedication to fostering a welcoming environment where every individual knows they can succeed.”
Along with the new logos, the new “Be. Belong. Become.” tagline is intended to signal to students and the community that the district and its colleges are more committed than ever to helping them achieve their educational goals. Chancellor Smith is credited with coming up with the tagline and it closely aligns with a new district mission statement currently being considered by the SDCCD Board of Trustees.
The brand roll out is timed with the launch of a redesigned SDCCD website, also on September 15. The new site, developed by 25th Hour Communications, is intended to be more student-friendly and easier to navigate. Its launch also follows an extensive stakeholder engagement process that included focus groups, surveys, and presentations. The sdccd.edu website was last redesigned in 2016.
For assistance with the new logos and website, contact SDCCD Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs at mcpa@sdccd.edu.