IACS Unveils New Logo and Visual Identity
The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC has unveiled a new logo, marking the first major update to the Institute’s visual identity since its founding 23 years ago.
The reimagined IACS logo is rooted in faith and inspired by academia. The design blends the Christian cross with a turning book page, symbolizing a new chapter in IACS history along with the Institute’s focus on scholarship rooted in Catholic faith. Look closely and you’ll see the outline of a cresting ocean wave — a subtle nod to the Institute’s location in Los Angeles. The cardinal and gold color gradient pays tribute to the University of Southern California, while also evoking a setting sun — another nod to the Institute’s home on the West Coast.
“Our new logo combines the traditional with the contemporary, reflecting the Institute’s storied past and its bright future,” said IACS President Rev. Dorian Llywelyn, S.J., who began his role leading the Institute in July 2020. “Our logo and visual identity speak to our commitment to ensuring that the long, rich and evolving tradition of Catholic thought will thrive among future generations — here in our home of Southern California and across the world.”
Our logo and visual identity speak to our commitment to ensuring that the long, rich and evolving tradition of Catholic thought will thrive among future generations — here in our home of Southern California and across the world.
Founded in 1998, IACS is a non-profit independent research center at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences — the academic core of USC — and serves as a global hub for scholarship that fosters Catholic thought, imagination and experience. IACS supports scholars, organizes conferences, hosts lectures and serves as a place for dialogue between academic disciplines. Over the past years, IACS has produced 16 books with top academic publishers. The Institute’s latest release, Business Ethics and Catholic Social Thought, is now available through Georgetown University Press.
The IACS visual identity includes a new font – Ogg — and is part of a comprehensive brand relaunch timed to help promote a full slate of upcoming initiatives and events, including Guadalupe — At the Break of Dawn, a groundbreaking project with Loyola Marymount University examining the academic and cultural impact of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Rethinking Justice, a new endeavor involving an international team of high-profile thinkers.
The new logo was designed in collaboration between IACS and DMA Media, a London-based creative and media relations agency that has worked extensively with prominent international brands, including Audi, Porsche, Lufthansa and Adidas.
The logo will be featured across print and digital platforms, including the IACS website, and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @IACSUSC
What do you think of our new logo?
Let us know: iacs@usc.edu