The CSU Swan

By Ashley Durant

An iconic representation of a university embodies all of the university’s acclaimed attributes. For Clayton State University, those attributes are signified by the peaceful atmosphere, the natural beauty of the scenery, and the enriched learning environment. The image of the CSU swan defines and symbolizes these characteristics as the swan is representative of tranquility, charm, excellence, and enrichment, making the swan virtually the most prominent representation of our institution.

It is impossible for one to ignore the peaceful atmosphere which surrounds our CSU campus.  As students of CSU, we are bestowed with the luxury to quietly study on outside benches that overlook our divine scenery. Through our vast number of budding trees and our scenic lake, CSU upholds to the attractiveness and beauty of a swan. These charming surroundings create the natural beauty our institution is admired for. The serenity of a swan’s being is symbolic of the calmness here at CSU.

Representative of enrichment and enhancement, the swan’s symbolism aligns with Clayton State's fulfillment of our academic needs. Here at CSU, the educational system shapes, molds, and guides us, the students, into becoming polished, well-educated professionals of our desired fields. As one of the few "Notebook Universities", CSU enriches the learning environment by requiring each student to own or have access to a notebook computer. Here, the professors empower and encourage us to attain every goal set forth by us and our university. The faculty of CSU enhances our knowledge through stimulating lectures and adequate interactions with our professors. The image of the CSU swan and its symbolic meaning undeniably represents the fact that Clayton State University is an institution of character, charm, and achievement. 




More Than Colors
By Courtney Godfrey

Blue and orange are iconic representations that broadcast who Clayton State University is as an institution. Although they are merely colors, meaning is given to them through school spirit and affiliation. If a student thinks back to their middle school days, there are symbols that come to mind almost immediately, such as the school’s mascot or colors. The colors of that school are continuously recognized by other classmates and even by students from the other local schools. Not to say that the school’s colors are more important than the mascot or logo, but in terms of usage the colors do give a stronger impression than that of the logo. The blue and orange colors of CSU are significant because they can be used to fit any form of advertisement or design. When visiting the Loch Shop, a student can run into many items that have a color pattern of orange and blue - the colors are a brand of Clayton State and the items themselves express that. A student who likes to display school spirit can find items ranging from a pen to backpacks that will display the school colors.

When an alumni or current student is out and about something like a swan may not always remind them of CSU. However, when the two colors blue and orange are seen together in any format they will most likely remind the person of Clayton State University. The visual of the colors are something that can change format, but not change the meaning. For example, there is a solid swan logo for Clayton State that would not be as repetitive in everyday life as the university's colors. Likewise, a Denver Bronco’s jersey would remind a former student or current student of CSU, rather than the childhood story "The Ugly Duckling."