Columbia University’s official school colors are Columbia Blue and White. Columbia Blue is a light blue shade that has become iconic and synonymous with Columbia University and its athletic teams. But what exactly is the hex code, RGB values, or Pantone number for this distinctive blue hue? In this article, we’ll examine the specific shade of Columbia Blue used by the university, look at its history and origins, and explore how it became such an integral part of Columbia’s identity.
Defining Columbia Blue
Columbia Blue is a light, sky blue color. More specifically, it’s a slightly desaturated azure tone. Over the years, there have been a few minor variations in the precise shade of Columbia Blue used in the university’s branding and merchandise. However, Columbia Blue is generally defined as having the following color values:
| Hex Code | #C4D8E2 |
| RGB | 196, 216, 226 |
| CMYK | 14, 5, 0, 11 |
| Pantone | Pantone 2995 C |
These specifications allow Columbia Blue to be accurately reproduced in any medium or material. The hex code is used for digital and web applications. The RGB values define the blue color for lighting and electronic displays. The CMYK values provide the proper mix of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink to print Columbia Blue. And Pantone 2995 C is a proprietary color standard used for physical materials like signage, merchandise, and uniforms.
History of Columbia Blue
Columbia Blue wasn’t always the defining color of Columbia University. Prior to 1900, the school’s official colors were actually lavender and white. Columbia Blue was first developed and used for the Columbia football team’s uniforms starting in 1874. Back then, Columbia Blue was a slightly darker, more saturated navy blue tone.
Over the next couple decades, the blue color associated with Columbia athletics gradually lightened into the pale azure shade we know today. By 1896, Columbia’s Crew team uniforms featured a blue that closely matched the current Columbia Blue. The university officially adopted it as one of their two school colors in 1896, replacing lavender.
There are a few origin theories about how Columbia Blue was initially chosen. Given its use by early athletic teams, Columbia Blue may have simply been selected for how well it stood out and looked good as an athletic uniform color. Some claim it was inspired by the blue skies over campus or the Hudson River. Others say it was a nod to the colonial-era blue uniforms worn by General George Washington’s Continental Army, who were headquartered near Columbia’s campus.
Use of Columbia Blue Today
Columbia Blue remains one of Columbia University’s official school colors along with white to this day. It is woven into Columbia imagery and branding everywhere. Columbia Blue is used prominently for the university logo, printed on school apparel and products, painted on buildings like Butler Library, and seen at Columbia athletics games and venues.
The Columbia Blue uniforms worn by the Columbia Lions have become iconic. Notable Columbia sports teams featuring Columbia Blue uniforms include football, baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, cross country, track and field, and more. In addition to its use for athletics, you’ll also spot Columbia Blue on academic material, banners, signs, pamphlets, websites, and more. It’s instantly recognizable shorthand for the Columbia University brand.
Columbia Blue conveys a crisp, clean, and classic sense of style. It stands out without being loud. The cool blue shade is both calming and intellectually stimulating. In many ways, it reflects the university’s Ivy League identity – Columbia Blue projects wisdom, honor, focus, and determination.
Beyond campus, you’ll find Columbia Blue proudly displayed throughout New York and beyond by Columbians – on apparel, accessories, banners, posters, and Columbia club materials. The ubiquity of Columbia Blue in the school’s iconography has made it synonymous with university spirit.
Columbia Blue in Pop Culture
As an iconic color, Columbia Blue has made its mark across pop culture over the decades. Columbia’s athletics teams wearing the university’s signature shade has driven much of its fame. The Columbia Blue football uniforms are classic images engrained in sports history.
Notable Columbians who have spread awareness of Columbia Blue through pop culture appearances include:
– Lou Gehrig, Columbia Lions baseball player who wore Columbia Blue and became a New York Yankees legend.
– Jack Kerouac, best-selling author who played football for Columbia and mentioned it in his writings.
– Katherine Hepburn, award-winning actress who took classes at Columbia and wore Columbia Blue.
– Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer and Columbia’s first female trustee, who wore a Columbia Blue leather flying helmet.
Columbia Blue has also made cameo appearances in TV shows and films that take place in Columbia University or nearby areas of New York City. From Gossip Girl to Ghostbusters, Columbia Blue adds an authentic backdrop. The name “Columbia Blue” itself has been referenced in songs by artists like Tom Waits, Phoenix, and Lil Wayne.
This broad pop culture presence has reinforced Columbia Blue as a famous and instantly recognizable color. It’s a testament to how engrained Columbia Blue has become in our collective cultural consciousness.
Using Columbia Blue
Columbia Blue is trademarked as an official university color along with Columbia White. This means commercial usage rights are only granted to licensees producing officially approved Columbia University merchandise.
However, anyone can freely use Columbia Blue for non-commercial purposes showing school spirit and support. This includes wearing apparel in Columbia Blue, using it for posters or personal projects, repainting rooms Columbia Blue, etc. Just avoid directly claiming endorsement from or affiliation with Columbia University itself.
For commercial use, you would need to obtain approval and branding guidelines directly from Columbia University Trademark Licensing. Licensed Columbia Blue merchandise includes clothing, school supplies, accessories, memorabilia, collectibles, and more. Retailers carrying officially licensed products bearing Columbia trademarks provide royalties back to the school.
So whether you’re a current student, alumni, local supporter, or just love the color, Columbia Blue is a great way to display your Columbia Pride! Just be sure not to imply any unauthorized association with the Columbia brand.
Conclusion
Columbia Blue has become inextricably linked with Columbia University over the past century. The specific light blue shade defined by C4D8E2 hex, RGB 196, 216, 226, or Pantone 2995 C is an iconic part of Columbia’s heritage and identity today. Its origins trace back to early athletics team uniforms in the late 1800s. Columbia Blue conveys a crisp, focused, intellectual spirit reflective of the Ivy League institution. This signature color can be considered emblematic of excellence and enlightenment in education. Columbia Blue is ingrained throughout campus culture and memorialized through generations of Columbians in pop culture. So while the school may have official colors of blue and white, there is only one true Columbia Blue.
