City Logo Selected

Last week, the Oberlin City Council approved a new logo for the City of Oberlin.   You can see the new logo above. The key elements found in the new City logo are: 

• The American elm tree in the logo is similar to the Historic Elm Tree where John Shipherd and Philo Stewart founded the community and college 175 years ago.
• The star reminds us of the North Star that guided African Americans fleeing slavery, many of whom passed through or stayed in Oberlin.
• The two color tones that come together around the tree to become one logo symbolize the various groups in Oberlin that come together to form one community. 

The tagline “Live ● Learn ● Lead” conveys the message is that Oberlinians are active, not passive. We: 

• Live active lives in Oberlin;
• Learn throughout our lives as education is best way to reach one’s full potential; and
• Lead others in our community, our state and our country; challenging others to follow our example in the areas of social justice, respect for all, environmental stewardship and more. 

In addition to being used in Oberlin’s new website (to be up and running this fall), the new logo will be used on letterhead, vehicles, signs, uniforms, etc.  

I want to thank the many individuals who helped develop the logo.  There were many staff and residents involved in the process that began in May, when “creative brief” questionnaires were distributed via e-mail to City Councilmembers, community leaders, business persons, board and commission members, staff and others. Every recipient was encouraged to pass on the brief to others as well.  A shorter version of the brief was distributed in early June and at Juneteenth weekend events.  Designers from Studiothink also visited Oberlin to get a feel for the community and to talk with Oberlinians.  In early July nearly 50 possible logos were reviewed by staff.  That group of logos was narrowed to eight that were presented to the City Council for suggestions and comment.  With that input, the list was reduced to four.  Those four were published in the Oberlin News-Tribune, posted at the Oberlin Public Library, and featured on a special website.  Over 200 persons took part in ranking the logos and tag lines, and providing advice and ideas.  The public input process concluded with a public meeting on August 13.  More than 15 people attended and discussed the logos.  On September 15, the City Council approved the logo.  I hope you will agree that this logo will serve Oberlin well into the future.