MILWAUKEE - A new era has begun for the Milwaukee Area Technical College Department of Athletics as the Stormers launch a new brand identity, highlighted by seven unique marks, including new primary image, two wordmarks, breakout logo, secondary logo, alternate mark and monogram.
The Stormers' new logo features the Greek God Zeus, the ruler of all the Olympian gods and the god of lightning, thunder, law, order and justice. Zeus clutches a lightning bolt to signify the team name, Stormers. An olive branch on his head is a mythological symbol of peace, wisdom, strength and healing. It was awarded to champion athletes in the ancient Olympic Games.
"Anytime you make changes, it starts a new chapter," said Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Randy Casey. "Our goal was to develop a complete and unifying brand that not only honors our tradition, but is a powerful representation of who we are and who we want to be. We wanted the logo to be something the entire student body could recognize."
The process began over a year ago. Student-athletes in MATC's baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball teams will begin using the new logo. They compete as the Stormers in the National Junior College Athletic Association and the North Central Community College Conference.
The new logo was designed and developed by Rickabaugh Graphics, an Ohio based company with extensive experience in collegiate athletics branding. Rickabaugh used input from students, employees and alumni to create an array of potential designs, while also ensuring that MATC's new brand was unique. Rickabaugh Graphics' portfolio includes athletic logos from Ohio State, University of Iowa, Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"We were thrilled to have been a part of creating the new athletic identity for the Milwaukee Area Technical College Stormers. We are tremendously proud of the resulting designs," stated Eric Rickabaugh, owner and creative director of Rickabaugh Graphics. The design included input from students, employees, alumni and community members.
"This new brand identity truly exemplifies our culture of developing our students into great leaders, and great champions," said MATC Dean of Student Experience Equan Burrows. "The goal was to add a strong and recognizable brand that students could be proud of, and that could help engage our campus community. Our collective effort has created a bold logo and design of which we can all be proud."
The public unveiling will happen at basketball games Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Alverno College’s Reiman Gymnasium. Tipoff at 6 p.m. for the women’s game with logo reveal at halftime. For the men’s game, logo reveal is 7:45 p.m. and tipoff is 8 p.m.
Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 25,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 170 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.