You could say a logo is just a symbol of something, but as with many symbols, they stand for something.

On Monday on the campus of Northern Michigan University, a new logo was unveiled for the UP200 Powered by Northern Michigan University. That’s a mouthful, but the famous race and NMU are partnering to bring the community the UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30, with the events scheduled for Feb. 16-20.

One of the key components of the partnership is to provide educational opportunities for NMU students, said Ross Anthony, board member/treasurer of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association.

The new logo definitely fits in with those opportunities.

NMU junior and volleyball player Ania Hyatt, who is studying graphic design, created the logo, which includes things that are part of the local sled dog universe: a night sky, a dog sled and the Lower Ore Dock.

It also has what Hyatt called “wintry colors” of various shades of blue and white, with black as an accent color.

The logo will be on items such as stickers, clothing and merchandise, which should make Hyatt feel pretty good. After all, not every student has such tangible public proof of her abilities.

The partnership will not end with the logo. Anthony noted that more educational opportunities for students that connect to their curriculum are planned, plus the NMU Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club will continue to help with vet checks.

“It’ll be exciting,” he said. “More to come.”

The UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30 are such iconic events of the region, and we’re glad to see a logo created that shows off the connection between them and NMU — especially when students can get involved.