The changing of the logo in front of the school made a huge difference. When I saw the Guilford tree, I thought of a tree with value.

“(The new logo is) not Guilford,” said first-year JR Hudgins. “Guilford is understated and simple.”

There are times when change is good, and sometimes it is perfect timing for change. This was not the right time or change for Guilford.

“The new logo does not have as readily an identifiable Guilford brand as the tree,” said Friends Center Director and Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies Max Carter.

Removing the tree was an obtuse idea.  I believe that once people get used to something new, it becomes a thing of the past. But something this historic is different.

Guilford College is a place where everyone can come together and be a part of something extraordinary. In certain experiences, one comes to Guilford because everything seems like a close gathering.

Interestingly, the tree was actually real. The logo was an image of the exact tree that stood beside New Garden Hall. Our sixth president sketched it for the logo.

When the tree came down in 1996, it was 119 years old. What a loss that was. Carter officiated at its memorial service.

The new logo is not as meaningful as the old logo. It takes away from our history.

People were married under the actual tree. Imagine how those who were once getting married or engaged under that tree will now feel.

The tree logo used to intrigue people, and it made them feel welcomed. Of course, we still have the branding around the school. Now, when you look at the new logo and see a new text format and a white background, you think that Guilford is moving towards change. But something important is missing.

“We want the tree back,” said first-year Aron Correa.

The creators of the new logo took away the meaning of what Guilford really is. Some people may agree that changes are good, but Guilford is full of traditions. Some of us would like to keep them.