McMaster ‘M’ logo has created a lasting bond among athletes for three decades
'Even today when I see the logo, it gives me a chill of pride that it’s lasted so long. It’s my legacy to McMaster University,' said Richard Zazulak, the graphic artist behind the iconic 'M' logo used by all Marauders sports teams. Zazulak created the logo in 1984.
Anyone who has ever picked up The Silhouette or read the McMaster Daily News has likely seen a stunningly-sharp sports photo taken by Richard Zazulak.
But Zazulak’s contributions to McMaster go above and beyond photography. His most famous creation, the iconic Marauder “M” logo, is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.
In 1984, Zazulak was approached by Ross Tripp (athletics director from 1980-1984 and a former McMaster football MVP) to help design a new logo for the University’s sports teams. The timeless design with the Marauder head and “M” was created soon afterward.
“It’s cool to see the logo has continued on and has such a strong, sustained feel,” said Tripp. “That logo created a bond among athletes, coaches and students.”
Shortly after the creation of the logo, it was made available for purchase on merchandise that was sold at the campus bookstore — a move that had not previously been done.
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In 2011, prior to the Marauders football team winning the Vanier Cup against Laval’s Rouge et Or, Zazulak redesigned the logo giving it a modern look. But the Department of Athletics & Recreation ultimately turned it down, saying the original design had become synonymous with the University.
The only modification since its creation has been the font.
“Even today when I see the logo, it gives me a chill of pride that it’s lasted so long. It’s my legacy to McMaster University,” said Zazulak.
“That’s my strong connection and investment into the University. I could not have had this anywhere else in the world. I’m truly proud and happy that I had this experience here, and still am. It’s a page to my story.”
Zazulak is a 1968 graduate from the Ontario College of Art with a certificate in Advertising Design and Illustration. In January of 1970, he was hired as one of four artists for the new undergraduate medical program at McMaster to illustrate the curriculum.
Their services soon expanded to assist other University departments, one of which was Athletics & Recreation. The rest is history.
Having worked at the University for 26 years before retiring and taking on freelance work, Zazulak has left a true legacy on campus.
He regularly attends local Hamilton events providing his photographical expertise, and can still be spotted around campus at sporting events — capturing the action from the sidelines with his camera.
Below: Richard Zazulak’s original design for the Marauders logo (left) and the current version used by all McMaster teams:
