The University of Manitoba Bisons have entered a new era with a refreshed identity that reflects strength, unity and pride.

More than just a logo, it represents a renewed commitment to the spirit and community that connects student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans as One Herd.

Honouring tradition, looking to the future

The refreshed brand includes a forward-facing bison that celebrates the tradition while infusing fresh energy into the next era of Bison Sports excellence. It maintains the iconic brown and gold deeply rooted in Bison Sports history while incorporating blue elements that align with UM’s primary colour palette to ensure visual cohesion with the university’s broader brand.

“We are proud to reveal the refreshed look for this next chapter of Bison Sports history,” says UM President Michael Benarroch. “In the same way our student-athletes continue to redefine what success looks like, both on the fields of play and in their communities, we wanted a redefined look that encompasses the legacy of the Bisons while reflecting the vibrancy of our future.”

For more than two decades, the former Bison Sports logo served as a proud symbol donned by student-athletes as they competed and excelled on the national stage. Worn during many triumphant moments, it represented pride and determination as countless accolades were earned, including last season’s 2025 U SPORTS women’s volleyball title.

“We wanted a redefined look that encompasses the legacy of the Bisons while reflecting the vibrancy of our future.”

Shaped by the Herd

The refresh process began in 2024 with consultations across a wide range of stakeholders—including student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents, Recreation Services members, members of the Indigenous community, and others. Input was gathered through focus groups, a quantitative survey and brand audit to shape an identity grounded in voices from across the community.

“It was crucial to us that this process involved as many stakeholders from the community as possible,” says Douglas Brown, Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. “The Bison means so much to so many people, so we wanted to ensure their voices were heard.”

The new forward-facing bison symbolizes strength and determination, while the return to true brown and gold honours the past and unites all eras under One Herd. Clean lines, vibrant tones, and dynamic design elements, including a custom sports serif typeface inspired by bison hooves and horns, position the Bisons as confident, cohesive, and ready to face what comes their way. Every element was designed to foster belonging, pride, and the enduring spirit of resilience that defines the Bisons.

“It’s been no small undertaking to get to this place,” says Gene Muller, Director of Athletics and Recreation at the university. “It’s been a tremendous amount of effort from people across the university to create this new identity for Bison Sports, and we couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and care they’ve put in.”

“It was crucial to us that this process involved as many stakeholders from the community as possible.”

Colours of legacy

Brown and gold are deeply rooted in the Bisons’ identity, representing decades of achievements and traditions. The colours evoke warmth, resilience, and stability. Brown embraces the spirit of our core symbol–strength, determination and leadership. Gold symbolizes the Bisons’ pursuit of excellence, energy and achievement—qualities that resonate with athletic and academic success.

Looking ahead

All student-athletes will compete under the new logo beginning in the 2025-2026 season, including the highly anticipated 2026 U SPORTS National Track and Field Championships, March 5-7, 2026, hosted at the University of Manitoba.

“The unveiling of a new logo and getting to be a part of this is really special,” says Skyler Bruce, a second-year Bison on the men’s hockey team. “The name and look of the Bisons means something in Manitoba, and I think we will all look back on this as a very special time.”

Muller says he is excited to see the connection displayed so proudly. Muller says this new look “embodies everything it means to be a Bison and lead boldly.”

“The name and look of the Bisons means something in Manitoba.”

Starting this fall, our Junior Bisons teams and competitive rec club teams will also be sporting their own updated logos, which integrate the forward-facing bison head. These logos create a powerful visual representation of our collective strength as one herd and reflects the spirit and excellence of our programs and our institution.

Celebrate the new era at the Bisons Block Party

Join us for a public celebration of the new Bisons brand at the Bisons Block Party, happening September 20 from 12 to 5 p.m. during the Homecoming football game. In addition to the game, day’s events will feature a kid’s zone, Billy the Bison’s birthday party, speaker series and alumni lounge.

Tickets for the event are free using the promo code HOMECOMING25.

Merchandise with the new logo will also be available at Homecoming in the UM Bookstore and online after the event.

Alumnus wins Nobel Prize in Physics

In October, the Swedish Academy of Sciences announced that a UM alumnus, acclaimed cosmologist Dr. James Peebles [BSc(Hons)/58, DSc/89], had won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Dr. Peebles, professor emeritus at Princeton University, was cited for “theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology,” and shares the award with two Swiss astronomers, Michel Mayor, 77, and Didier Queloz, 53, who discovered a planet orbiting a binary star.

During a news conference on Oct. 8, Peebles expressed gratitude to the University of Manitoba. “I’m deeply indebted to the department of physics and its faculty and fellow students for showing me that I love physics.” Read more.

University of Manitoba announces 12th President and Vice-Chancellor

The University of Manitoba announced in November it had appointed a demonstrated bridge-builder and a committed leader in community engagement, a sought-after global economic outlook expert, and a proud Manitoban, Dr. Michael Benarroch, as its 12th president and vice-chancellor.

Raised in Winnipeg, Dr. Benarroch will take office as UM president and vice-chancellor on July 1, 2020, succeeding Dr. David T. Barnard, who completes 12 years of distinguished service as president.

Dr. Benarroch is currently the provost and vice-president, academic at Ryerson University in Toronto, a role he has held since 2017, providing leadership as Ryerson’s chief academic officer and chief operating officer. Prior to his time at Ryerson, he led the I. H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba as dean, and was founding dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Winnipeg. Read more.

Head of the class

He remembers how nervous he was his first day at the University of Manitoba. Backpack in tow‚ he navigated through the Isbister Building and found his classroom. Students‚ all older than him‚ had begun to trickle in. The 19-year-old took his place at the front‚ wearing a carefully chosen blazer and bowtie to offset his boyish looks.

“My name is Aandeg Muldrew and I’ll be your instructor.”

It was two years ago that Muldrew became the university’s youngest sessional instructor‚ teaching introductory Ojibwe at the Faculty of Arts Language Centre. Read more.

UM enters new era with appointment of first-ever VP (Indigenous)

Dr. Catherine Cook is the University of Manitoba’s inaugural Vice-President (Indigenous). On Oct. 29, 2019, the Executive Committee, on behalf of the Board of Governors, approved the appointment of Dr. Cook, Vice-Dean (Indigenous) in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, to the position of Vice-President (Indigenous), for an interim period to June 30, 2022.

“Dr. Cook has been a strong contributor to the University of Manitoba both within her home faculty and across the university. Her insight has been widely sought-after by governments, boards and agencies, and she has excelled as a leader, an advisor and a collaborator,” said President David Barnard.

Dr. Cook will transition from her responsibilities in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences to the Vice-President (Indigenous) position, beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Read more.

University of Manitoba injects $2.4 billion into city and province

More than $2.4 billion in province-wide economic activity is stimulated by the University of Manitoba, according to a study released in December.

The University of Manitoba Economic Impact Analysis for 2014-2019, produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers and commissioned by the University of Manitoba, shows that the University has far-reaching positive impacts upon all Manitobans. Read more.

Six minds that will change our society now call the U of M home

A record six University of Manitoba graduate students are recipients of 2019 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

These awards, considered the Canadian equivalent of the United Kingdom’s Rhodes Scholarships, help recruit and keep in Canada top doctoral students from across the country and around the world. Read more.

University of Manitoba unveils new logo

The university began exploring the evolution of its brand in 2018. Since then, more than 7,000 students, faculty, alumni, donors and community partners have joined in the conversation, including many who participated in brand focus group sessions across Manitoba, as well as in Calgary and Toronto.

While the brand story is still evolving, a new logo was unveiled in June.

The U of M’s new visual identity reflects a brand that positions the university as a welcoming and inclusive community uniquely strengthened by Indigenous knowledges and perspectives. The new logo acknowledges the past and looks forward to the future, expressing a strong connection to the Prairies, learning in a digital world and a commitment to reconciliation. Read more.

University welcomes $10 million gift, new graduate school

The University of Manitoba has received a transformational gift to the Front and Centre campaign that will enhance the I.H. Asper School of Business’ role as a leader in business education and research.

Stu Clark, an esteemed alumnus and entrepreneur, has donated $10 million to the I.H. Asper School of Business at University of Manitoba. In recognition of this gift, the university is establishing the Stu Clark Graduate School at the I.H. Asper School of Business. Read more.

Applied Health Sciences student takes top spot at 3MT finals

Kevin Boreskie practiced his Three Minute Thesis (3MT) while driving in his vehicle with the radio cranked up. He thought that if he could master his presentation with that much distraction, he was set to succeed.

This creative method of preparation paid off for the doctoral student in Applied Health Sciences, a joint program between the College of Rehabilitation Sciences and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. Boreskie took home the Dr. Archie McNicol Prize for First Place ($2,500) at the 3MT finals held on March 18 on the Fort Garry campus. Read more.

2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence

Over six decades, the Distinguished Alumni Awards have celebrated outstanding University of Manitoba alumni including Olympians, Nobel prize winners, and world-renowned advocates of human rights.

On May 8, 2019, at the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Awards, five new recipients were welcomed into this list of esteemed individuals. This year, the awards celebration returned to the university’s Fort Garry campus, where the Manitoba Room in UMSU University Centre was transformed into a multi-stage event, complete with musical productions and inspiring conversations. Read more.

On June 12, President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard announced the launch of our new brand with the introduction of a new logo. Facilitating the University’s core functions of teaching and learning, research, and outreach and engagement, this new brand and visual identity provide a compelling framework for our collective story–a story that identifies us, helps us express ourselves and connects us with our community.

Since the launch, we have continued to move forward with the transition and implementation phase. Perhaps the most widely visible and immediate sign of change is our website, where the new brand has been reflected since the August 8 website launch, which to date has received wide-ranging positive feedback.

Investments in brand-building can be substantial, but in the long term they help make possible the attraction of the best and brightest students, faculty and staff, as well as the funding that fuels discovery in our laboratories, classrooms and beyond. Brands also support a strong reputation, so critical as we navigate the competitive spheres of the career marketplace and strategic recruitment. Ideally, such initiatives are only necessary once in a generation.

The current branding work has cost $310,000. Consulting directly with the community, we’ve developed a brand framework to take us well into the 21st century, embracing Indigenous perspectives, shedding outdated, colonial symbols and introducing new colours. Throughout the two years-plus branding process, we’ve taken a responsible approach by conducting a comprehensive brand audit to identify where our old logo exists and identified key considerations and criteria to guide our decision making throughout the transition. Key external facing materials have been prioritized and, wherever possible, items will be replaced upon depletion or part of regular business cycle to minimize costs.

From the development of tools such as brand guidelines to conducting ongoing brand sessions and workshops, we’ll continue working with our community to keep them both informed and supported.

Though still early in our implementation phase, we have already completed some key deliverables such as a new stationery system and PowerPoint template, display units and banners, flags, the first phase of brand guidelines, and more.

In addition, we’ve updated the new logo across all digital platforms, including social media graphics and the mobile app, as well as applied it to dozens of new materials designated as needing a refresh. And if you’ve been to the bookstore recently, you’ll have seen our new logo prominently featured on branded merchandise.

We began this journey in 2017 and through extensive consultation heard from many who generously shared their ideas and perspectives. In an effort to leverage efficiencies within the project we intentionally timed the branding project and the website redesign project–both key strategic initiatives–to work in lockstep. By doing so, it allowed us to save tens of thousands of dollars that would have been required if the website was re-branded separately. In addition, by strategically managing carryover budget over three fiscal years, we were able to minimize the financial impact.

The implementation phase will continue over the next several months to a year and we look forward to sharing our collective progress as we embrace and incorporate the new brand.

You–and your stories–are all a part of this journey.

BY THE NUMBERS

Brand Advisory Council members: 25, with representation from across our community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors (see below)

Number of consultation sessions: 20+, held on campus and throughout the province, as well as Toronto and Calgary

Number of stakeholders engaged: 7,000+, through consultations, surveys and online feedback

Pageviews on umanitoba.ca/brand: 35,000+

Brand video views: 11,000

New logo downloads: 5,000+

It’s a depiction of a bison walking uphill against the wind underneath the Northern Lights with a flame that represents reconciliation with Indigenous people.

A new tourism campaign by Travel Manitoba? Nope. It’s the University of Manitoba’s new logo.

The logo, which is attracting rave reviews, and is the result of almost two years of meetings, feedback, discussions, focus groups and more, was unveiled on the university’s website on Wednesday.

John Kearsey, the university’s vice-president external, said already the institution has been overwhelmed with positive feedback.

“We think it is beautiful and bold,” Kearsey said.

“We wanted something which would tell the story of the university, which would attract students from around the world, and which would resonate with our local community and resonate with donors.

“And I’m getting compliments from elders and others in the Indigenous community about the flame — they knew we had listened to them. We are committed to reconciliation. We wanted to deliver on it.”

Read the full Free Press story here.

While the brand story is still evolving, a new logo has emerged.

“This new visual identity is one part of our collective story,” says President David Barnard. “It is intended to help us build bridges with our partners and enable new, more meaningful connections as we continue to engage in vibrant conversations with our community on how the University of Manitoba can best serve its core mission of learning, discovery and outreach.”

The U of M’s new visual identity reflects a brand that positions the university as a welcoming and inclusive community uniquely strengthened by Indigenous knowledges and perspectives. The new logo acknowledges the past and looks forward to the future, expressing a strong connection to the Prairies, learning in a digital world and a commitment to reconciliation.

“Reimagining the University of Manitoba logo was a bold step—and an exciting one,” says John Kearsey, vice-president (external relations), and chair of the Brand Advisory Council. “As the new brand reveals itself in small and big ways, we’ll be sharing with the world a new chapter in our evolving story.”

Instrumental to the brand discovery process, the University of Manitoba’s Brand Advisory Council brought together a diverse group of alumni, students, faculty and staff in thoughtful dialogue and exchange.

Dr. Catherine Cook, vice-dean, Indigenous, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, and one of three council co-chairs, says a collaborative, inclusive approach was key. “In our brand sessions, we kept hearing how our existing logo didn’t reflect who we are in 2019 or who we want to be,” she says. “This logo captures a new voice for our university but it’s one that’s made up of many, many voices and perspectives.”

“It tells the story of where we came from and it tells the story of where we can go,” says Ruth Shead, coordinator of Indigenous Achievement at the University of Manitoba, who helped inform the discussion. “I had the opportunity to share some of the Indigenous design principles that were developed by Indigenous community members and leaders from across this province.”

Shead notes the new logo is just the first step in the brand journey. She explains that the logo tells an important story of Indigenous ways of learning, with the flame representing oral teachings shared around a fire – a recognized symbol of reconciliation.

The Bison is the lead figure in the imagery, never idle but climbing upward and pushing progress forward. She’s undaunted by challenge, notes Jakob Sanderson, president, University of Manitoba Students’ Union and council co-chair.

“[It’s] such a central figure in this province and who we are,” he says.

“I love the way the bison is pointed forward and walking uphill. I think the logo gives us the possibility to keep growing and keep building,” offers Dayna Spiring, president and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg and Brand Advisory Council co-chair.

The gold at the bottom of the logo represents the iconic Manitoba prairie landscape, while the flowing blue forms are also reminiscent of pages in a book, but herald new, online ways of learning and engagement.

“What this logo means to me, more than anything else, is opportunity,” adds Sanderson. “I see the opportunity to find my own path and I see the opportunity to take that path to become a leader in this province. That’s what the logo screams to me: you are here, this is your place, this is your future, go take it.”

Why does a university need a strong brand?

• To distinguish ourselves. Universities all have similar offerings. We all want to provide a high quality education to our students. And at a research-intensive university like the U of M, we also want to foster discoveries through our research that improve our society’s economic and social well-being. Because of the competitiveness of the post-secondary landscape—where we compete for students, researchers, gifts and funding—we must set ourselves apart. We have unique attributes that make the University of Manitoba like no other.
• To continue to draw students from our local community, across the country and around the world to or university.
• To help us tell stories of impact to our donors, reach our fundraising goals and provide even greater opportunities for our students and researchers.
• To increase a sense of pride among our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
• To attract research funding to continue to fuel the discoveries that our researchers are uniquely positioned to achieve.

Universities have stories to tell: about who they are, their values, their priorities. At the University of Manitoba, we are all a part of that story, and our visual identity—the look and feel of the materials we produce—provides us with a recognizable vehicle with which to express ourselves and connect with those who care about us and the work we do.

That visual identity, like the other components of our collective story, occasionally requires refreshing. Over time, we evolve, we grow, we change. And so do our story and the means of telling that story.

Today, the launch of our new brand begins with the introduction of a new logo.

When we started down this road a year ago, many of you shared your ideas and perspectives. Thank you for this. Our journey has been one of thoughtful dialogue and exchange. A logo has been developed that reflects who we are, acknowledges our past, and also, most importantly, looks forward to our future, to who we can and want to be. In particular, I am pleased that the new logo has been informed by Indigenous perspectives, true to this university’s vision statement.

In the accompanying video, you will see and hear from some participants who brought their voice to the brand development process. They worked closely together and with others involved in this process challenged this institution to deliver a logo that is authentic, powerful and resonant.

In the coming days and weeks, you will see our new logo revealed. My sincere hope is that all of us who are a part of the University of Manitoba community find something in the new visual expression that speaks to our understanding of this transformative institution.

This new visual identity is one part of our collective story, intended to help all us build bridges with our partners and audiences. As it launches and enables new, more meaningful connections, we will continue to engage in the vibrant conversation with our community on how the University of Manitoba can best serve its core mission of learning, discovery and outreach.

Sincerely,
David T. Barnard, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor

To the University of Manitoba community,

I’m pleased to share an update with you about our brand initiative.

One year ago, our community embarked upon this collaborative journey. Meeting with you, listening to your stories has been an enlightening experience.

We listened and heard from more than 7,000 participants through online submissions, surveys and 20 brand focus group sessions held in Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, Selkirk, Calgary and Toronto.

We also worked closely with our Brand Advisory Council throughout the process, co-chaired by Catherine Cook, vice-dean, Indigenous, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Dayna Spiring, president and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg; and Jakob Sanderson, president, University of Manitoba Students’ Union.

We heard from our community that our existing logo and its symbols did not represent or reflect who we currently are, nor the University we wish to be moving forward. In the coming weeks, we will introduce a new logo that positions the University of Manitoba as a welcoming and inclusive community uniquely strengthened by Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

Thank you to all faculty, staff, alumni, donors, students and community members for your insight, for sharing your opinions and ideas. In these sessions, we saw great engagement from many of you as you pondered, discussed and expressed what the University of Manitoba means to you. Thank you for this. You have helped to shape the future of our brand.

Our brand must not only be authentic and reflect who we are; it must also be aspirational and inspirational. It must also be able to evolve over time as the University itself continues to change and grow, reflecting new realities and achievements. Equally important is the brand experience and the relationship people have with our brand.

Stay tuned for the upcoming introduction mid-June, 2019.

Thank you for bringing your enthusiasm, your vision and your energy to the University of Manitoba.

The session will take place:

Thursday, Oct. 4
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Inn at the Forks

A light dinner and refreshments will be served. As a thank you, everyone attending will be entered to win one of three $50 BookStore gift cards.
Register today!

If you are unable to attend the session but would like to share your feedback and stay up-to-date on the brand initiative visit: umanitoba.ca/brand  
 

To the University of Manitoba community,

When students make a decision to come to the University of Manitoba…when donors make a decision to give…when faculty and staff choose us as their professional home…we know that what we say about our self and what others say about us, is important. However, it’s the experiences and relationships that matter most.

Thanks to the stories of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors, the University of Manitoba has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally with more than 35 awards for its “I am a trailblazer” initiative. It’s now time to enhance and evolve how we share our story. Our story continues to change shape as we grow, reflecting new realities and achievements. Your achievements.

In all of this, we seek your input and ideas.

We are inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors to participate in a series of focus groups to share their insights and opinions into the future direction of the University of Manitoba brand.

The sessions will take place in Winnipeg:

Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Bannatyne campus (Joe Doupe Concourse) *
Sept. 20, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Fort Garry campus (Marshall McLuhan Hall) *
Oct. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Inn at the Forks *
*please note dates for the sessions have changed

And around the province:

Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Brandon 
Aug. 28, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Winkler
Aug. 29, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Selkirk 

To register for a session, share your insights online and stay up-to-date on the latest developments of this initiative visit umanitoba.ca/brand.

Additionally, a Brand Advisory Council has been established to provide perspectives from a diverse range of internal and external stakeholder groups, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors.

I am pleased to be chairing this group alongside three co-chairs who bring a unique combination of perspectives, expertise and insight to this initiative:

• Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-Dean, Indigenous, Max Rady College of Medicine;
• Jakob Sanderson, UMSU President; and
• Dayna Spiring [LLB/01], President and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg.

I look forward to the broad discussions and ideas that will shape our story into something that can be embraced, experienced and celebrated by all, while advancing the learning, discovery and engagement priorities of our university in a meaningful way. 

With best wishes,
John E. Kearsey, Vice-President (External)