University Colors

While Hail to the Orange, Hail to the Blue is a familiar ring to every modern University student, the steadfastness and stability of blue and the freedom of orange were not always the Universitys colors. [1]

On December 8, 1878, the Board did not select an official set of University colors. But by October of 1879, the Illini reported that the previous month had seen Silver and Cardinal chosen as the University colors. By 1888 blue had been used in a University event, and on October 1-2, 1891, blue and white together were used. On May 13, 1892, yellow and black were used, while on November 29, 1893, Dartmouth green was used in an event by the Athletic Association. They had also previously used black and yellow, crimson and olive green, while the Alumni Association had used old gold and black or orange and black. [2]

With the completion of Engineering Hall fast approaching, it was determined that an official set of University colors were needed so that the necessary decorations could be arranged. Finally, on October 24, 1894, at the University convocation, orange and blue became the official colors of the University with President Drapers now-immortal speech: [3]

And now concerning the matter of University colors. It has been said that there never have been any University colors authoratively [sic] adopted. Old gold and black for a long time were recognized as the University colors, but were never formally adopted. This question, however, should be definitely settled. The decorating material should soon be ordered for the decoration of the new engineering building. Realizing this the faculty appointed a committee to look into this matter. This committee, together with representatives of the Students assembly, decided to recommend the adoption of orange and white, with green in addition on the athletic field. The Athletic association, on these colors being recommended, appointed a committee who have done their work wisely and well. After very careful consideration by the committees it was decided to recommend the adoption of orange and navy blue as the University colors. At a meeting of the Athletic association this afternoon that body ratified the action of their committee. And now I wish to submit the question to this body. All who are in favor of accepting orange and navy blue as the colors of the University of Illinois will please arise? [sic] (All arise.) I am proud to be able to be the first to hold aloft the University colors. [Applause.] I congratulate you upon the selection, for they represent much. Blue is an emblem of steadfastness and stability. Orange has come down to us through 200 years of history. It was the color under which the worlds first great battle for liberty was fought. May they long be held aloft and be proudly triumphant, not only on the athletic field, but in the field of literature, of science and of art.