What does the Columbia College logo mean?

We recently received an intriguing question: what does the triangular Columbia College logo mean?

We recently received the following e-mail:

Dear Columbia College,
I’m trying to get the real meaning behind the Columbia College logo. Can you fill me in what Rogers Gate, the trees and the triangle represent?

We consulted with the college's top minds, and came up with the following answers:

• "The gate symbolizes 158 years of access for underserved populations. The trees are evergreen, universal and ancient symbols of knowledge. The triangle is a delta, the Greek letter for change, which Columbia College has done successfully to survive and prosper during its long history."


• "The triangle (delta) is the symbol of change, and the points on the triangle stand for:
  • The past, present and future
  • The three types of degrees Columbia College offers: associate, bachelor’s and master’s
  • The three types of campuses: main, nationwide and online."

We hope that helps.

Have other questions on Columbia College symbols or mysteries? We'll be happy to address them. (See our diligent work on the mystery of the Gray Lady, the Civil War-era Christian College student who supposedly threw herself from the parapets of Williams Hall).

Just write us at ccpublications@ccis.edu, and we'll take a crack at it.