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Mosaic of photo tiles with a white interlocking O U in the middle.

OU Motto, Seal and Logo

OU motto: Oakland University's motto, "Seguir virtute e canoscenza," is taken from Dante's epic poem, where in his pursuit of knowledge, the seafaring Greek hero Ulysses tells his men to "seek virtue and knowledge."

Round Oakland University seal with text on the outside and a white with the words

OU seal: The Oakland seal is the official emblem of the university. It combines the university motto, "Seguir virtute e canoscenza," with a representation of the sail from the ship of the seafaring Greek hero Ulysses. The OU seal, together with the university logo, represent what Oakland has achieved and what it aspires to become.

O U logo with Oakland stacked on top of University. A black line with a gold sail in the middle beneath the text.


OU Sail: Oakland University's Sail is a stylized version of the sail from the ship of the Greek hero Ulysses and suggests a voyage in pursuit of knowledge. Both the OU seal and sail represent what Oakland has achieved and what it aspires to become.

View logo guidelines on the University Communications and Marketing website.

Oakland University

201 Meadow Brook Rd.
Rochester, MI 48309-4401
(location map)
(248) 370-2100