Identity History

University Identity Timeline

CSU Dominguez Hills' institutional name, symbols, and identifiers have undergone a number of changes over the decades. Of all the elements in the university’s identity, the name has had the most interesting history. The university was originally founded as South Bay State College and soon after renamed to California State College at Palos Verdes. Other factors led to its current name as California State University, Dominguez Hills.

In developing the current CSUDH Brand program, considerable attention was paid to ensure that the elements in the program were aligned with and maintained the integrity of the CSUDH identity as it has evolved. This timeline gives an overview of institutional names, seals, and marks since 1960.


1960 South Bay State College

Governor Pat Brown signs bill on April 29, 1960, for a state college to be known as South Bay State College.


1962 California State College at Palos Verdes (CSCPV)

California State College Trustees rename institution to California State College at Palos Verdes on July 12, 1962.


1966 California State College, Dominguez Hills (CSCDH)

California State College Trustees rename institution to California State College, Dominguez Hills on March 3, 1966.


1960s CSCDH Logo

1960s-era yin-yang logo was created for use as a graphic symbol for the university.

1966 CSCDH YinYang Logo


1977 California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)

California State University Board of Trustees votes to approve university status to the college on September 12, 1977, and institution is renamed California State University, Dominguez Hills.


1977 CSUDH University Logo

Designed during President Donald Gerth's tenure as university president, the University Logo first makes an appearance in campus newspapers on September 28, 1977.

1977 University Logo 


1977 University Seal

A University Seal is developed that uses the graphic icon of the University Logo.

1977 University Seal


2007 University Logo

The University Logo is modified to include more contemporary typography and a layout that complements the California State University systemwide wordmark and branding.

2007 University Logo


2018 CSUDH Brand Program

The university adopts a comprehensive branding and identity program that introduces:

  • Comprehensive CSUDH Brand Guide that includes a CSUDH color palette, typography, graphic signatures, and other branding elements.
  • The University Seal is redesigned to include lamp of learning, book of knowledge, graphic icon from original logo symbolizing diversity and accessibility, CSU motto Vox Veritas Vita, and the founding date of the university.

csudh seal in gray  CSUDH color logo stacked with name on one line on white background