What the icon means

Here’s a little Friday morning insight for you about the symbol on the right.

The symbol — known as UNMC’s “secondary icon” — has appeared on light pole banners, jacket lapels, e-mails, posters, fliers, T-shirts, coffee mugs and even on the “guns” of a certain faculty member.

But do you know the meaning behind the design? For example:

• The four lines that compose the icon represent the pillars of UNMC’s mission — education, research, patient care and outreach;
  
• The upward slope of the lines symbolizes the growth of UNMC and mimics the physical contours of the twin Durham Research Centers;
  
• The movement of the right lines represents UNMC’s momentum;
  
• The way the two sets of lines come together is meant to emulate the shield of UNMC’s hospital partner — The Nebraska Medical Center; and
  
• The icon is loosely shaped as both a ‘U’ — for university — and a ‘V’ for the medical center’s vitality.