The Manhattan Jaspers logo features bold green typography and imagery representing the 19 varsity athletic teams of Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York, competing in NCAA Division I as members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Meaning and Symbolism
- Kelly green (#00703c) represents Irish-Catholic heritage, reflecting the college’s Lasallian Catholic identity and New York’s strong Irish-American community
- The distinctive green distinguishes Manhattan from other New York area schools using blue and red
- The Jaspers nickname honors Brother Jasper of Mary, a legendary figure in college athletics history
- Green symbolizes growth, vitality, and the educational mission of the Lasallian Brothers
- White provides contrast and purity of athletic purpose across all competitive endeavors
History and Evolution
Manhattan College was founded in 1853 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Lasallian Brothers) as the Academy of the Holy Infancy in lower Manhattan. The institution moved to the Riverdale section of the Bronx in 1922, establishing its current campus overlooking the Hudson River. The Jaspers nickname derives from Brother Jasper of Mary, F.S.C., who served as athletic director, baseball coach, and head of resident students during the late 1800s. Brother Jasper is credited with multiple innovations in college athletics, including inventing the seventh-inning stretch.
The athletic program sponsors 19 Division I teams including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, golf, lacrosse, tennis, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track; women’s softball and volleyball; men’s baseball and rugby; and highly successful men’s and women’s crew programs. Manhattan’s crew teams benefit from on-campus boathouse facilities along the Hudson River. The college has historically excelled in track and field, producing numerous Olympic athletes and national champions throughout the 20th century. The program has remained in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, competing against regional rivals including Iona, Siena, and Marist.
The men’s basketball program reached national prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in multiple NCAA tournaments and NIT competitions. The Jaspers play home games at Draddy Gymnasium on campus, maintaining intimate atmosphere despite competing in Division I. The athletic program balances competitive excellence with the college’s academic mission, emphasizing the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community.
Typography and Design
The Manhattan Jaspers wordmark employs bold, traditional collegiate typography that reflects the institution’s Catholic educational heritage. The letterforms feature strong serifs and consistent weight, creating timeless appeal appropriate for a college founded in 1853. The design system includes the full “Jaspers” wordmark, simplified “M” monograms, and various Brother Jasper figure marks. The kelly green and white palette creates distinctive visibility in MAAC competition while honoring Irish-Catholic heritage and Lasallian traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Manhattan Jaspers logo? The Manhattan Jaspers logo has been developed and refined through collaboration between the college’s athletic department and design consultants, though specific designer attribution is not publicly documented. Updates have maintained the kelly green identity while modernizing the visual presentation.
When was the Manhattan Jaspers logo last updated? The Jaspers logo received refinements in the 2010s to improve consistency across 19 varsity sports and enhance reproduction on digital platforms, while maintaining the traditional kelly green and Brother Jasper heritage that defines Manhattan athletics.
What do the colors in the Manhattan Jaspers logo represent? Kelly green represents the college’s Irish-Catholic heritage and Lasallian educational tradition. The color honors the Brothers of the Christian Schools who founded Manhattan College in 1853 and continues to distinguish the Jaspers from other New York area athletic programs.
More logos with similar colors
