Colors

UB’s signature blue and white dates back to 1886, 40 years after the School of Medicine was established. At the time, the School of Medicine was tying its diplomas using white ribbons. As the School of Pharmacy prepared to graduate its first class, it looked to distinguish itself and used blue ribbons instead. As other departments came into existence and the student body increased, there came a need to create a university spirit insignia. The diploma ribbons were seized on as a distinctive color combination that didn’t conflict with those of other universities. Our blue and white have undergone many iterations over the last 130-plus years, but they endure to this day, representing the University at Buffalo at the highest level.

Although our color system is monochromatic, we understand that, in certain instances, other colors need to be used. For those circumstances, we have developed this set of secondary colors.

These colors should be used occasionally and sparingly. Under no circumstances should any of them become the predominant color the University Libraries.