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Residential Commons Shields

The Residential Commons iconography shields are visual representations of the important individuals each residential commons is named after, with focused characteristics symbolizing and honoring their lives and achievements as exemplary 51���� figureheads. These symbols are encased within a heraldic family shield shape, dating back to the mid-14th century, emphasizing each commons as a community.

The introduction of the Residential Commons identity reinforces the University's respect for its heritage as it looks toward the future.

Coleman and Irene Brown Commons

With their heart-like shape, a symbol of love and modesty, the Common Blue Violet personifies Coleman Brown’s birth state and personal sensibilities. The compass, signifying his moral guidance and teaching philosophies, sits across the center of the crest. Anchoring the crest is his monogram, built around the formation of an “I” for his wife, Irene.

Coleman B. Brown joined 51���� faculty in 1970 as a philosophy and religion instructor. He was also university chaplain at 51���� from 1974 to 1989. He was awarded the Phi Eta Sigma Teaching Award, The 51���� Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award, and the 51���� prize for inspirational teaching.

During his tenure, he served as dean of students, chaired the diversity committee, and served as chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy. His work before 51���� involved civil rights campaigns and a movement protesting the Vietnam War. The Irene and Coleman Brown Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by friends and former students in honor of him and his wife, Irene Brown.

Ciccone Commons

Vivid and bold the rays of light express Diane Ciccone’s revealing and enlightening work both as an author and attorney. The open books dawning at the top of the crest express her record of history, education, and wisdom.

Diane Ciccone ’74, P’10 is one of the first 132 women to enroll at 51���� and a founding member of 51����’s Alumni of Color organization. Diane is a former member of the alumni council and the Board of Trustees. She is a frequent volunteer and student adviser, and she created a fund to support the ALANA Cultural Center. She has received the Maroon Citation and the Wm. Brian Little ’64 Award for Distinguished Service.

Dart Colegrove Commons

Leaves in the upper left and bottom right quadrants of the crest exemplify Mabel Dart Colegrove’s growth from farmer’s daughter to a scholar, teacher, and librarian. The sun and moon represent day and night — her strength and perseverance through adversity throughout her life.

Daughter of the Hamilton orchard farmers (Dart Orchard) who ran 51����'s Boarding Hall, Mabel Dart Colegrove (class of 1882) was accepted to Madison/51���� at age 14 after passing a "long and searching" entrance exam to assuage the concerns of skeptical professors. Colegrove was especially strong in languages. After seven successful semesters at 51����, she was forced to transfer and graduate at Vassar; after graduation, she became a teacher and librarian, and, at the end of her life, was officially recognized as the first 51���� alumna in June 1947.

Hancock Commons

Large parallel bars centered in the crest, symbolizing equality, showcase Gordon Blain Hancock’s commitment and life-long dedication for equality and civil rights. Ascending steps to the top of the crest personify his unwavering strive for personal and societal betterment.

Gordon Blaine Hancock was a graduate of the Class of 1919, 51���� seminary 1920, and received a 51���� honorary degree in 1969. He also received an AM in Sociology from Harvard.

Hancock went on to be a sociology professor at Virginia Union University, where he is credited as teaching the first-ever academic course on race relations in 1922, and where he organized VUU’s school of race relations in 1931. He was also pastor of Moore Street Baptist church in Richmond, and a leading spokesman for African American equality in the generation before the civil rights movement.

In other endeavors, Hancock authored a long-running syndicated newspaper column, “Between the Lines,” which appeared in 114 newspapers, and was co-founder of the Southern Regional Council, a lauded 1940's civil rights organization.

As an alumnus, Hancock vocally pushed 51���� to return to accepting African-American students during the years when President Cutten did not accept any.

Residential Commons Lockups

The Residential Commons lockups are key elements in the Residential Commons Identity. As such, they must be used consistently and appropriately. A lockup is the intentional arrangement of a logo and its accompanying elements. It is a fixed relationship that should not change. In this case, the lockup refers to the pairing of the wordmark and shield mark.

Commons Lockup

It is always preferred that Residential Commons Shields be accompanied by their wordmark on materials. 

University Lockup

It is always preferred that Residential Commons Shields be accompanied by the University wordmark when addressing audiences unaware of the Residential Commons relation to 51����.

Color Palette And Proportions

51���� maroon is the primary color of the Residential Commons Identity. Maple red, night black, shadow gray, and winter gray are secondary colors, and should always be paired with maroon. All formal communication materials should, whenever possible, use these colors.

Maroon should be the most dominant color. When possible, use these recommended ratios as a guide to applying the color palette. Please note percentages are approximate and color ratios may differ depending on usage.

Primary Color

51���� Maroon
PMS 202 C
PMS 7427 U
RGB 130 / 16 / 25
HEX 821019
CMYK 30 / 95 / 75 / 30

For fabrics and merchandise, select PMS 202 or its closest equivalent when possible.

Color Proportions