Spartans Alternate Logo

As one of the oldest universities in California, San Jose State Spartans have a long and storied history when it comes to their alternate logos. Since its founding in 1857, SJSU has gone through many changes over the years – including several different iterations of its iconic Spartan mascot.

The earliest version of SJSU’s logo was introduced back in 1925 as part of a university-wide branding effort to create an identity for the school. The original logo featured a muscular man wearing traditional Greek armor with his right arm raised above his head holding an olive branch - symbolizing peace and victory. This design served as SJSU's primary mark until 1957 when they switched things up by introducing their first modernized Spartan mascot – which featured an athletic figure wearing a shield with crossed swords behind him and carrying two spears instead of just one olive branch (the current version still uses this same design).

In 1965, San Jose State adopted another new logo featuring a more stylized rendition that included only half a Spartan’s body along with some additional details like stars on each shoulder plate representing academic excellence (this is now known as “The Star Logo”). Around 1983/1984 yet another variation was created featuring what appeared to be two separate figures standing side by side but facing opposite directions - this time both were fully armored from head to toe while also wielding swords instead spears (now called “The Twin Logo").

Finally, after almost three decades since its last major redesign; San Jose State unveiled yet another updated look for their beloved mascot during the 2017 NCAA tournament season: A sleek black silhouette depicting only half-a-Spartan complete with star detailing on each shoulder plate once again emphasizing academic excellence at every level within University Athletics program(known today simply as "Black & Gold" ).

While there have been numerous variations throughout history; all versions ultimately serve the same purpose: To represent strength courage spirit pride which are core values shared among the entire student body faculty staff alumni alike! No matter what happens next we can rest assured that our beloved Spartans will always remain united under a single banner no matter how many times it may change shape size or color over the course of time!