UC Gives Nod to Its Roots With Creation of a Tartan

The University of Cincinnati paid homage to its roots with the unveiling of a tartan Oct. 16, and UC President Santa Ono, PhD, and James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy Dean Neil MacKinnon, PhD, were some of the first to sport the pattern—in kilts.

"I found out that other schools have an official tartan so I Tweeted the president, and right away, he Tweeted me back," says MacKinnon.  

As it turned out, the trademarks and licensing team had already been working on the UC tartan project. 

The event also featured a routine by the Cincinnati Scots Highland Dancers, made up of 10 dancers, which included MacKinnon's daughters, who performed The Highland Fling and and the Strathspey & Half Tulloch. Bagpiper Robert Reid with the Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band also provided entertainment. MacKinnon, who is of Scottish descent has been seen sporting a kilt a time or two. "We even had to get the (new) tartan registered in Scotland.”

The tartan adds to the university’s brand, with threads of fabric in university’s colors. Prior to adopting the nickname "Cincinnati Bearcats,” the university was simply referred to as "the Red & Black.” In December, 1891 students made a formal request for the adoption of university colors, and in April 1892 a committee recommended black and scarlet (red). After considerable discussion, the student government accepted the recommendation and black and red were adopted as the university’s official colors.

Some of the initial items using the tartan were unveiled at the event, including fine furniture, scarfs and men’s ties. 

"We are working with a select group of licensees for more elevated items as we start things off,” said Martin Ludwig, UC director of trademarks and licensing. "We've received great feedback on the design from licensees and design experts, and I'm sure it will be quite popular as we continue rolling out additional products.” 

Celtic Corner, 502 Old State Route 74, currently sells kilts, ties, scarfs, sashes and other Celtic accessories. Furniture featuring the tartan is available from Dwellings on Madison, 2003 Madison Road.