Why Blue and Gold

Every school in the University of California System has some combination of blue and gold as their school colors. The colors were selected for the university by a committee of students at what is now UC Berkeley in June 1873. Blue was considered because of the sky and the landscape, the student cadet uniforms, and the number of Yale graduates who were instrumental in the founding and administration of the university. Gold was considered because of California’s designation as the Golden State and the color of many native wildflowers, such as the California Golden Poppy. Unable to decide between the two, the committee asked their female classmates to decide. Student Rebekah Bragg Cummings suggested using both colors, and the committee agreed.

The UC Riverside tartan, was developed with the expert aid of Linda Clifford , and contributions by pipe band members Josh Taylor & Robbie Conacher . The tartan has been registered with the proper authorities in Scotland. The graphic representation shown is an approximation of the finished tartan. The blue is a "Royal" blue, the gold slightly more brass and less mustard in color. This tartan has been added to the official UCR logos and other trademark protected properties owned by the University of California.