The Academic Seal
The Rice University seal features three Athenian Owls, which were patterned after a design found on a small silver tetradrachm coin dating from the middle of the fifth century B.C. Our original seal was designed in 1912 by Pierre de Chaignon la Rose of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who combined the main elements of the arms of several families bearing the names Rice and Houston. Owls of Athena — symbolic of wisdom — were chosen for the charges. Because Rice University was dedicated by its founder to the advancement of letters, science and art, these words were also incorporated into the seal.
The Rice University seal, also known as the academic seal, is the official business emblem of Rice University and is not intended for general use. It is reserved for select purposes, and its use by anyone other than the Rice Board of Trustees and the president is not permitted.
For questions or special requests, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at 713-348-6280 or email pubaffrs@rice.edu.
The Athenian Owl
The Rice Athenian Owl is a complementary mark to the primary Rice identity. It cannot be used in place of the primary mark but can be used in other applications where a more informal style of identification is appropriate.
The Athenian Owl should appear in the approved color palette.
The minimum approved size is one-quarter inch high, and the minimum clear space on all sides should be equal to half the width of the owl.
Current and Retired Athenian Owl Versions
The outline of the current Athenian Owl has a consistent width throughout the design, a larger beak, and open lines around the face and beak. The retired version of the Athenian Owl has thick and thin outlines, a smaller, pointed beak and less defined feet.
Rice Athletics Logos
Contact Rice Athletics Marketing at 713-348-3094 for standards, guidelines and usage information or visit the Rice Athletics brand standards for further guidance.
The Rice Athletics logos should not be combined with Rice academic logos on external materials.
