In words and images, the Office of Communications portrays Colgate’s proud traditions and bold ambitions. We attract new generations of promising undergraduates, connect alumni to their alma mater, and tell the world about the academically rigorous community that thrives in the Chenango Valley.
While Colgate’s story reaches back two centuries, we know that the look and feel of our communications must also convey our forward momentum, distinctive take on the liberal arts, commitment to asking difficult questions, and relentless search for innovative answers.
To accomplish this task, we extended our Bicentennial partnership with the award-winning design firm Pentagram and asked them to envision how we might portray the university following our 2018–2019 celebration. Their answer is to continue to embrace the iconic Colgate C and render the university’s name in our Portrait font. (For more on the inspiration behind these elements, watch our video at 200.colgate.edu.) Gold leaf will give way to traditional Colgate maroon and a palette of complementary colors. We will also redouble our commitment to compelling photography that captures the spirit of the Colgate experience.
Working with the admission office, advancement, and other departments across campus, we will revamp our communications materials with these new graphics. Equally important, we will begin to speak of our university in a bolder, more confident voice that reflects the leadership role this institution holds among American higher education institutions.
The new Colgate Magazine provides a first glimpse of this approach to telling Colgate’s story. It represents the combined engagement of staff, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends. Moreover, it advances the vision that President Brian W. Casey outlined for our community last autumn.
Colgate is entering a new era of ambition and impact. To achieve success, we draw on our history and the legacy handed down by past generations. We apply our creativity. We tap into the academic rigor that drives our mission and the energy that sets us apart from our peers. In this way, we will ensure that our storytelling is authentic; you will find that your beloved Colgate — remaining true to its essence — continues to flourish and make you proud.