With half a century of athletic excellence under their belts, the MacEwan University Griffins are looking forward to the next 50 years with a “bold reimagining” of their logo.
The university — based in Edmonton, Alberta — unveiled the new logo on Wednesday, May 28, during a special presentation and media conference with president and vice-chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee and athletics director Joel Mrak.
The logo depicts a side view of a griffin — the mythical creature with the body, tail and back legs of a lion and the head, wings and talons of an eagle — in a protective stance with a maroon body, white head and a gold beak and talons. It stands atop a black block with “MACEWAN UNIVERSITY” spelled out in gold and “GRIFFINS” in white inside.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter in MacEwan Athletics. Our new logo takes a bold step forward for the Griffins and the refreshed brand identity reflects the strength, passion, and grittiness that define our student-athletes and our entire university campus. Every detail of this new look was designed with our community in mind – those who compete, those who cheer from the stands, and those who wear our colours with pride.”
— MacEwan athletics director Joel Mrak
The logo was designed by Edmonton-based graphic artist Curtis Ogrodiuk and his design firm Artslinger, which he founded in 2009. Ogrodiuk graduated from the graphic design program at MacEwan in 2006 and captained the Griffins men’s hockey team. Ogrodiuk also teaches graphic design at Lillian Osborne High School in Edmonton, and he enlisted the help of some of his students in designing the new griffin.
“It was very cool to be able to work on this project,” he said on the school’s website. “Being a graduate of the school’s design program in 2006 and playing on the men’s hockey team, you could say I started this project 22 years ago.”
“Being a student-athlete for three years is a big advantage. Being a (Griffins alum) is even bigger,” he added. “We’re kind of designing the logos for us. What would we want to wear on our chest if we were there now?”
Artslinger’s portfolio also includes logos for Mount Royal University in Calgary, the University of Alberta and the Canada West Universities Athletic Association.
All in all, MacEwan official are excited about the new logo propelling the Griffins into the future.
“More than just a visual change, this launch is about building a stronger connection between athletics and the wider student body,” Mrak said. “We want every student to see themselves in this brand – to feel inspired, included, and proud to be part of something bigger. This design isn’t just about a new look – it’s a symbol of who we are and where we’re headed, proudly representing the Griffins both on and off the field.”
