History and Heraldry

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The organizational logo has undergone several revisions and was approved on March 25, 2025, pursuant to provisions set forth by the United States Institute of Heraldry. This effort ensured that the logo was aligned with the historical history and heraldry of Loyola University Maryland and Towson University. 

Students at Loyola College in Maryland initially chose Blue and Gold as the university’s colors, later changing them to Blue and Grey after the American Civil War. In 1922, as Loyola College moved to the “Evergreen” campus and began developing its athletic teams, the student body decided to adopt the official colors of Green and Grey.

The organizational logo consists of a circular disc comprised of elements in Green, Grey, Or (Gold), Sable (Black), and White. A Sable (black) banner outlined in Grey surrounds the disc with the White inscriptions, “LOYOLA”, “TOWSON”, “ARMY ROTC”, and a five-pointed star.

The colors of Or (Gold), Sable (Black), and White represent the ingredients of gunpowder: Or for sulfur, Sable for charcoal, and White for saltpeter. The Grey outline symbolizes the historical roots of Loyola College after the American Civil War and the Greyhound as the university’s mascot. The origins of the White star trace back to World War II when all U.S. military vehicles were emblazoned with a White star to identify Allied vehicles and prevent friendly fire. The center consists of a field divided quarterly in Black and White, representing the four traditional military science courses comprising the Senior ROTC curriculum. A Black sword points up between the two Gold quarters, signifying the courage, gallantry, and self-sacrifice intrinsic to the profession of arms.

The White quarters bear the historical logos and mascots of Loyola University Maryland and Towson University, honoring the legacy of both institutions. Loyola University Maryland is represented by the colors of Evergreen, Dark Spruce, Grey, and Andrew White. The Greyhound was adopted as Loyola College’s mascot in 1927, and represents graceful agility and speed, loyalty, and intelligence. The Greyhound is named “Iggy”, a moniker derived from St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. Towson University is represented by the colors of Black, Gold, Graphite, and Athletic Silver. The Tiger was adopted as Towson’s mascot in 1962 and officially named “Doc” in 2003 in honor of Donald “Doc” Minnegan, former athletics director and sports coach who established many of Towson’s sports programs during his 45-year tenure.

Underneath the sword is a Black inscription of the Roman numeral “MCMLV”, representing the year 1955 as the first commissioning class of the Greyhound Battalion. The logo is circular, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the organization as it nurtures students to success, as graduates become influential leaders of their communities and country, and as alumni give back to the next generation of students. The logo is 4 inches by 4 inches, symbolizing students' simultaneous four-year pursuit of academics and ROTC as Student Athlete Leaders.