The color itself derives from the official hue of the Philolexian Society, the university's oldest student organization.

Although Columbia blue is often identified with Pantone 292, the Philolexian Society first used it in the early 19th century, before the standardization of colors.

It has also been used as the official color of a number of sports teams, including the Houston Oilers, the Buffalo Braves, and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Members of the society have been reported to have worn blue satin rosettes and silver tassels as part of their academic regalia, while members of the rival Peithologian Society would wear white rosettes and gold tassels.

[3] According to John Howard Van Amringe, the color first entered official use during a boat race in 1873.