Walk onto the campus in Mount Pleasant on a crisp October morning and you'll see it immediately. It is everywhere. It’s on the hoodies of students trekking toward Park Library, the flags flapping outside Bovee University Center, and definitely all over Kelly/Shorts Stadium. We are talking about the central michigan university colors: Maroon and Gold.
But here is the thing. Not all maroons are created equal. If you show up in a bright "true red" or a "cardinal," you’re going to look like a lost fan from a rival school. CMU’s palette is specific. It is deliberate. It’s part of the fabric of Mid-Michigan.
Honestly, people sometimes underestimate how much a color palette defines a university's brand. It’s not just about looking good on a jersey during a MAC Tuesday night football game. It's about identity. For the Chippewas, these colors represent a legacy that stretches back over a century, surviving name changes, mascot shifts, and the evolving landscape of college athletics.
The Specifics: Getting the Maroon and Gold Right
If you’re a designer or a printer, you can’t just "eye it." Central Michigan University is very protective of its visual identity, and for good reason. If the gold is too yellow, it looks like high school. If the maroon is too purple, it looks like a different university entirely.
According to the official CMU University Communications guidelines, the core colors are CMU Maroon and CMU Gold. For the tech-savvy or those trying to order custom gear, the Pantone Matching System (PMS) codes are the holy grail.
The Maroon is specifically PMS 202. It’s a deep, rich red with a heavy brown undertone. It’s serious. It’s sturdy.
The Gold is PMS 123. This isn't a metallic gold like a wedding ring; it’s a vibrant, sunny yellow-gold that pops against the darker maroon.
When you mix these for digital use, the Hex codes are #6A0032 for the maroon and #FFC82E for the gold. Use those if you're building a website or a social media graphic. If you mess it up, people in Isabella County will notice. Seriously.
Why Maroon and Gold? A Quick History Lesson
Why these colors? Why not blue? Or green?
It actually goes back to the very beginning. Central Michigan was founded in 1892 as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute. Back then, "Normal schools" were for training teachers. In those early years, the school actually used different colors. Some records suggest pink and blue were in the mix at the very start, which was common for the era but didn't exactly scream "Fire Up Chips!"
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The shift to maroon and gold happened around the turn of the 20th century. By the time the school became a powerhouse in the region, the colors were locked in. They were chosen to represent excellence and a certain level of prestige that the administration wanted for the growing institution.
It’s worth noting that CMU’s colors have stayed remarkably consistent even as the university transitioned through names—from Central State Teachers College to Central Michigan College, and finally to Central Michigan University in 1959.
The colors stayed. They are the constant.
The "Action Yellow" Phase and Modern Branding
In the late 90s and early 2000s, there was a bit of a shift in how the gold was presented. If you look at jerseys from the era of Dan LeFevour or Antonio Brown, you might notice the gold looks a bit more "athletic" or "bright." This was part of a broader trend in sports marketing to make colors "pop" better on standard-definition television.
Today, the university has settled back into a very balanced approach. The branding isn't just about the primary two colors anymore. To make the central michigan university colors work in modern media, they’ve introduced a secondary palette.
You’ll often see:
- Black (Used as a heavy accent to give a "tougher" look to athletic gear).
- White (Essential for high-contrast jerseys and clean academic documents).
- Gray (Often used in "spirit wear" and lifestyle apparel).
But don't get it twisted. If a shirt is gray, it better have that PMS 202 maroon logo on it, or it’s not real CMU gear.
The Cultural Impact: Fire Up Chips!
"Fire Up Chips" is more than a slogan. It’s a lifestyle in Mount Pleasant. And the colors are the visual shorthand for that energy.
When you attend a graduation ceremony at McGuirk Arena, the sea of maroon robes is a powerful sight. It represents years of late-night study sessions at the "down under" in the library or long walks across a snowy campus.
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There’s also the relationship with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. CMU is unique because of its partnership with the Tribe. The university moved away from "Native American imagery" (like the old spear logo) years ago, focusing instead on the "Action C" logo. The colors remained as a bridge between the old traditions and the modern, respectful partnership. The maroon and gold are seen as neutral but powerful symbols of a shared community.
Buying Gear: How to Avoid the Fakes
If you’re shopping for CMU apparel, you’ve gotta be careful. Third-party vendors often get the gold wrong. They’ll sell you a shirt that is more of a "Maize" (which is dangerously close to Michigan's colors) or a "Vegas Gold" (which is too metallic).
The best places to get the authentic central michigan university colors are the CMU Bookstore in the Bovee University Center or official retailers like Fanatics. Look for the "Official Licensed Product" hologram. It actually matters because a portion of those sales goes back to student scholarships and university programs.
Plus, you won't look like you bought a knockoff at a gas station on the way to the game.
Designing with the CMU Palette
If you’re a student organization leader or a local business owner in Mount Pleasant, you might want to use these colors for your flyers or storefront. Here is a pro tip: Contrast is everything.
Maroon is a very "heavy" color. If you put black text on a maroon background, nobody can read it. It’s a nightmare for accessibility. Always use the CMU Gold or white for text on a maroon background.
Conversely, don't use white text on a gold background. It disappears. The gold is bright enough that it needs a dark anchor. Use the maroon for the text there.
Core Color Breakdown
- Primary Maroon: CMYK: 0, 100, 65, 47. Use this for the "base" of your designs. It should feel like the foundation.
- Primary Gold: CMYK: 0, 21, 88, 0. This is your "highlight." Use it for calls to action, important headings, or accents that need to grab the eye.
The Psychological Effect of Maroon and Gold
There is actually some science behind why these colors work so well for a university.
Maroon is associated with confidence, creative thoughts, and excitement, but in a controlled way. It’s not as "aggressive" as a bright fire-engine red. It suggests a certain level of maturity.
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Gold, on the other hand, is the color of success, triumph, and optimism. It’s literally the color of a first-place trophy.
When you combine them, you get a brand that feels both established (Maroon) and ambitious (Gold). For a school that prides itself on being a "workhorse" university—where students come to get things done—it’s the perfect fit.
Common Misconceptions
People often confuse CMU's colors with other schools in the MAC or even national teams.
- "Isn't it the same as Minnesota?" Close, but no. The University of Minnesota uses "Maroon and Gold," but their maroon (PMS 202 is CMU, while Minnesota uses PMS 202 as well, strangely enough, but their Gold is much more metallic/old-gold style). Side by side, Minnesota usually looks a bit "dustier" while CMU is "brighter."
- "Is the gold actually yellow?" Technically, yes. In the world of color theory, CMU Gold is a shade of yellow. But call it yellow in Mount Pleasant and you might get some side-eye.
- "Can I use any red?" Absolutely not. Avoid anything that looks like "Spartan Green" or "Wolverine Blue" for obvious reasons, but also stay away from the bright reds of Western Michigan's past or Big Ten schools.
How to Wear the Colors
Tailgating at CMU is an art form. The standard "uniform" is a maroon hoodie with the gold "Action C" on the chest.
If you're heading to a game at Kelly/Shorts:
- Early Season: Gold t-shirts are great for the heat.
- Late Season: You need the heavy maroon parka. It gets cold in Mount Pleasant. Wind off the fields is no joke.
- The "Gold Out": Occasionally, the athletic department will call for a "Gold Out." This is when every fan is encouraged to wear gold to create a solid wall of bright color in the stands. It looks incredible on TV.
Why the Colors Matter for the Future
As CMU continues to grow—expanding its medical school and boosting its research profile—the central michigan university colors serve as the visual anchor. They provide a sense of continuity. Whether you graduated in 1974 or 2024, those colors are the thing you have in common with every other alum.
They represent "The Central Way."
When you see that maroon and gold, you think of Main Street, the "Seal" on the ground that you aren't supposed to walk on, and the sound of the Marching Chips playing "The Fighting Chippewa" (the fight song).
It’s more than just ink on a page or dye in a fabric.
Actionable Steps for CMU Fans and Designers
If you want to represent Central Michigan University correctly, follow these steps to ensure you’re staying true to the brand:
- Check the Codes: Before printing any materials, ensure you are using PMS 202 (Maroon) and PMS 123 (Gold). For digital projects, stick to Hex #6A0032 and #FFC82E.
- Audit Your Gear: If you have "fan gear" that looks orange or bright red, it’s time for an upgrade. Stick to officially licensed vendors to ensure the hues are accurate.
- Use the "Action C": The modern "Action C" logo is designed specifically to be legible in these two colors. Avoid using old, retired logos for official university business or modern spirit events.
- Respect the Contrast: When creating signs or social media posts, always put gold or white text on maroon backgrounds—never black. Use maroon text on gold backgrounds for maximum readability.
- Participate in Theme Games: Keep an eye on the CMU Athletics schedule for specific "Maroon Out" or "Gold Out" dates to ensure you match the rest of the stadium.