Pilots Wordmark Logo

The Portland Pilots are one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country, and their iconic wordmark logo has been a part of their identity for decades. The University of Portland first adopted its current logo in 1992, but its roots stretch back much further.

In 1976, when the school was known as University College at Portland (UCP), it commissioned graphic designer Bill Bowerman to create a new visual identity for UCP’s athletic teams. Bowerman developed an interlocking “UP” that featured two crossed swords with wings on either side and three stars above them—a design inspired by Oregon's state flag and seal. This original UP symbol served as UCP's primary athletics mark until 1991 when it changed its name to The University of Portland (UP).

When UP made this change in 1991 they also decided to update their athletics marks accordingly; however they kept many aspects of Bowerman's original design intact—the crossed swords were replaced with arrows while still keeping the same wing pattern on each side, along with three stars above them all contained within an oval shape similar to Oregon's state seal/flag motifs used before. Additionally, "Portland" was added beneath these symbols creating what we now know today as our beloved wordmark: "PORTLAND PILOTS."

This classic yet timeless look has since become synonymous with excellence at UP ever since being introduced nearly 30 years ago! With over 20 NCAA tournament appearances under this logo alone – including making history by reaching both men’s & women’s national championships games during the 2008-2009 season – there is no denying that this unique branding will continue representing Pilot pride for generations ahead!