At Los Angeles Harbor College, the start of the academic year is a special time, and for the past five years, a new tradition has helped build a sense of community and team spirit: a custom-designed t-shirt JUST for faculty and staff. This isn't just any shirt; it's a symbol of unity, a way for students to easily identify faculty and staff, and a vibrant representation of the college's history and future.
This year's design is brought to life by the custom printing experts at Kustom Imprints, ensuring every thread holds the Seahawk spirit!
Key Takeaways
- A Symbol of Community: The t-shirt is more than just apparel; it's a tool for fostering a sense of team and making it easier for students to connect with faculty and staff at the start of the academic year.
- A Nod to the Past, Eyes on the Future: The design and its colors are a modern evolution of the college's branding. They honor the college's 75-year history while showcasing its forward-thinking identity.
- The Power of Partnership: This year's shirt is a testament to the strong partnership between Harbor College and Kustom Imprints, a team that helped bring the vision of Harbor's graphic designer, Sarah Peroni, to life!
Who designed the Harbor College t-Shirts for Faculty and Staff?
The shirt itself was designed by a familiar face: Harbor Alumna Sarah Peroni. She currently serves as the college’s graphic designer while she completes her bachelor’s degree at CSUDH. She also designed Harbor College’s 75th anniversary seal and new logo. Her work on this annual tradition helps to connect the college’s past with its present, a theme that has been central to the evolution of the college’s logo over the years.
The inclusion of “LOS ANGELES” at the top of the t-shirt is more than just a nod to its location; it signifies the college’s affiliation with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), the largest community college district in the United States. Harbor College is one of nine colleges that make up the district.
History of Harbor College Logo
The college, established in 1949 , is located near the bustling Port of Los Angeles. This coastal theme was reflected in the original college seal, which incorporated imagery of the port and was designed by art professor Harold Jones. The seal, which can still be seen hanging in the college cafeteria , was meant to represent the “technical institute” that the junior college was when it first opened its doors. The original logo featured an open book, a lighthouse, a sea hawk, a mariner’s wheel, and symbols of various technologies like petroleum, electricity, and construction.
In 1960, the college underwent a significant change, dropping the word “Junior” from its name and becoming a community college. This shift was a result of increased student demand for more academic subjects to complement the existing vocational courses. At this time, college illustrator Carlos Rico made minor changes to the seal, substituting “community college” for “technical college” in the banner over the open book. The current bold design, adopted around 2019, is a modern take on the college’s identity, with the Seahawk at its center. The design helps to create a universal brand for the college, solidifying its identity as a forward-thinking institution.
The Old vs. the New Logo
Sarah Peroni also designed Harbor College’s 75th anniversary seal and the new logo.
Los Angeles Harbor College has been serving its community for 75 years, dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals. The college embraces the motto “Education Changes Everything!” and provides students with first-rate experiences to help them develop and achieve their academic aspirations. With Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) to the California State University system and Transfer Admissions guarantee (TAG) certification with the University of California, the college is a gateway to higher education for many.
Conclusion
We're so proud to be a part of the Harbor College community! This t-shirt is a vibrant symbol of their past, present, and future. It embodies the dedication of the college to its students and its commitment to fostering a strong community. From our team at Kustom Imprints, we are thrilled to help them continue this tradition, bringing their vision to life with every print. Ready to create your own custom apparel? Kustom Imprints is here to help you share your school spirit or brand identity with the world! 🚀
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed this year's t-shirt?
The t-shirt was designed by Sarah Peroni, a Harbor Alumna and the college's current Graphic Designer, who is also a student at CSUDH.
What do the colors signify?
The dark blue (PMS 2747) and gold (PMS 1235) are the official school colors, matching the college's logo for continuity. You'll often see staff wearing these colors to show their Seahawk pride!
Has the college's logo changed over time?
Yes, it has! The original logo incorporated the port and coastal theme due to the college's proximity to the Port of LA. The current design, adopted around 2019, features a bold look with the Seahawk at its center.
Can I buy this shirt online?
This specific shirt is a special edition provided to staff and faculty for the academic year. However, you can find other awesome Harbor College apparel and merch at the official Seahawk Shop bookstore!
How does this shirt help students?
The shirt serves as a way for students to easily identify faculty and staff on campus, making it easier to ask questions and get help. It also helps to build a strong sense of community!
What makes Harbor College unique?
Harbor College is an intimate and manageable campus that fosters a strong support system for students, including dedicated counseling, tutoring, and career services. It offers a wide range of programs, including Associate Degrees for Transfer and career technical education certificates.
Where is Harbor College located?
The college is located in Wilmington, just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean and the Port of Los Angeles. It serves commuting students from the South Bay area, including San Pedro, Carson, and Gardena.
What makes Harbor College a cool campus to learn at?
Harbor College is located in Wilmington, just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean and about 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The college serves commuting students in the South Bay, including Harbor City, San Pedro, Lomita, Gardena, and Carson. The campus is described as intimate and manageable, making class interactions more engaging compared to larger schools. There is a solid support system with dedicated counseling, tutoring, career services, athletics, and student organizations. Since the college located hear the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro), which reflects it's culinary range from Italian-American and Mexican to Eastern European specialties. It's especially rich in Italian and Croatian heritage. Students can experience the history and new energy from new venues in the area from classic eateries alongside pop-ups and casual dining.
What is Harbor College's mission statement?
The Mission Statement for Harbor is: Los Angeles Harbor College serves our diverse community by providing access to associate and transfer degrees, certificates, economic and workforce development, and adult and noncredit instruction. We promote equity, diversity, and student success through academic programs and support services that ensure our students become productive members of a global society.