Brand Guidelines

At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, our brand reflects who we are as a Christ-centered community dedicated to academic excellence and service. It is expressed through every story we tell, every visual we share and every experience we create for our students. These guidelines are designed to help maintain a clear, consistent voice that highlights our mission, strengthens recognition and keeps students at the heart of everything we do. By aligning our communications, we present a unified identity that builds trust and invites others to discover what makes FranU distinct.

Visual Identity

Our visual identity brings the FranU brand to life through color, typography, imagery and design. It creates a cohesive and recognizable look across every platform, ensuring that all communications feel consistent, polished and distinctly FranU.

Color Palette

Primary Colors

Primary colors are the foundation of our visual identity and should be used most prominently. Use them for key brand elements such as headers, backgrounds and calls to action. They should anchor every design to ensure strong recognition and consistency across all platforms. These should always take priority over secondary colors.

HEX #0F3152

HEX #EFB41D

HEX #276187

HEX #E6E7E8

Secondary Colors

Secondary colors support and complement our primary palette. They add flexibility and visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look, allowing for creative expression without straying from the FranU brand. They may not be used without one of the FranU blues or gold, and they may not overpower the primary brand colors.

HEX #814C91

HEX #E74C3C

HEX #F49D21

HEX #1AAB8D

HEX #2081BB

HEX #BDC73C

HEX #106033

HEX #9F1C28

HEX #794400

Typography

Logos

Our logos are among the most visible representations of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University brand. Consistent and correct usage strengthens brand recognition, reinforces credibility and creates a unified visual identity across all communications. For internal users, access logos via the Brand Hub in MyPortal. For external users, please contact the Department of Marketing & Communications to access logos. 

Primary Logos

Both logo configurations are official primary marks and may be used interchangeably based on the needs of the design.

Horizontal Logo

The horizontal logo is the preferred version for most applications and should be used whenever space allows. Its wide format works well for websites, email signatures, advertisements, signage and marketing materials.

Vertical Logo

The vertical logo provides a more compact option when space is limited or when a taller layout is needed. It is ideal for social media graphics, promotional items and designs with narrow dimensions.

Stacked FranU Logo

The Stacked FranU Plus Logo application is an alternate logo. This alternate logo is less formal than the primary University logos. This version includes the primary University logo.

Acceptable Usage:
• recruiting materials
• promotional items
• internal University signage

Wolf Mascot Logo

This logo is less formal than the primary University logos and the Stacked FranU application.

Acceptable Usage:

• apparel
• promotional items
• internal University events 

Unapproved Logo Usage

The correct application of the FranU logo is essential to maintaining the brand identity. Improper use can diminish the logo's impact, create confusion and weaken the overall integrity of the University brand. To preserve the logo's visual integrity, never alter, modify or recreate any element of the mark. The examples below illustrate misuses that are not permitted.

Unacceptable Logo Applications:

• Do not distort the logo by stretching, compressing or altering its proportions.
• Do not outline the logo or add strokes, borders or other graphic effects.
• Do not rearrange any elements of the logo, including the icon, typography or their positioning.
• Do not change the logo colors or substitute unapproved color variations.
• Do not rotate, skew or tilt the logo.
• Do not add shadows, gradients or special effects to the logo.
• Do not place the logo on backgrounds that reduce legibility or compromise visibility.
• Do not recreate or typeset the logo using alternative fonts or graphics.

Outdated Branding

In 2016, Our Lady of the Lake College was renamed Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, commonly known as FranU. In 2024, a new logo featuring the University shield was introduced. Please ensure that current branding is always used to promote consistency and to uphold FranU's reputation. 

Unapproved Terms:

Do not refer to FranU as follows:

• 'Our Lady of the Lake College' or 'OLOL College'
• 'Our Lady of the Lake University' or 'OLOL University'
• 'Our Lady University'

Retired Logos

For FranU materials, please do not use any logo that has a tau, as these are outdated.

Communications

Our communications reflect who we are, what we value and how we serve. Every message, story and campaign should reinforce FranU's mission while building meaningful connections with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the communities we serve. Our content is centered around six core pillars that guide our storytelling and communications strategy.

Our Content Pillars

Justice for the Communities We Serve

Highlighting our commitment to service, advocacy and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Formation in Your Calling

Showcasing how students discover, develop and pursue their unique purpose and vocation.

Catholic and Franciscan Identity

Reflecting the faith-based values, traditions and mission that shape the FranU experience.

Engaged Relationships

Celebrating the connections that foster belonging, collaboration and support across our community.

Holistic Teaching and Experiential Learning

Demonstrating how academic excellence is strengthened through hands-on learning, mentorship and personal growth.

Purposeful Growth

Sharing stories of achievement, innovation and continuous improvement for students and the institution.