To align itself with the university and connect with the local community, Hawaii Pacific University unveiled its new Sharks logo and nickname on Friday.
“We think having it aligned with the university logo so there’s similarities in color and design really solidifies we’re one university,” said Vince Baldemor, HPU’s executive director of athletics. “Ultimately we’re trying to develop a program that will continue to excel in the classroom and field of play. Our mission has always been to graduate student athletes and champions. With the new logo, it creates visibility, attracts recruits, builds a bridge with Hawaii and the community here, and helps connect with our student body, faculty and staff.”
HPU was known as the Sea Warriors for more than 30 years. It’s men’s tennis team lost in the NCAA Division II national championship match in May. HPU’s last national title was won by the softball team in 2010.
“Athletics play an integral role here at HPU and we have a deep respect for the impact that athletics can have on the education and character of the students who participate, as well as by bringing our HPU community together,” HPU president Dr. Geoffrey Bannister said in a release.
Planning for the new logo began in February, one month after Baldemor started at HPU. He noticed some inconsistencies such as Sharky the shark mascot while the school’s nickname was Sea Warriors. The athletic department’s fundraising campaign was also known as SHARX. The impact of the Pacific on Hawaiian culture and lifestyle, along with the traditional Hawaiian ‘aumakua, served as inspiration for the new logo.
“We wanted to be very thorough and did everything in a complete fashion so we don’t do it halfway,” Baldemor said. “The cultural component was important for us, aligning it with the university was important for us, listening to student athletes and body was important for us. All of that helped us revitalize it.”
Baldemor said he’s seen positive feedback on social media sites about the new logo, and heard well wishes from Pacific West Conference commissioner Bob Hogue and other league schools. HPU’s teams will sport the new logo in the upcoming season.
