As the new academic year begins, Colorado State University is unveiling a fresh look for its visual brand language based on the theme “Find Your Energy.”
The initiative, which has already begun to roll out on campus, is the successor to CSU’s “Charging Forward” messaging/branding effort. “Find Your Energy” revolves around the land-grant concept that anyone, from any walk of life, can find their place at CSU and access a world-class education.
It’s also the idea that when students choose CSU — regardless of their background — they get a unique opportunity to look within, gain inspiration from others, take advantage of all the university has to offer, identify their own distinctive passion, and take action. One of the tag lines is, “When you feel something, you can do anything.”
Awe and inspiration
The multi-year initiative encompasses everything from a redesigned home page to a new color palette to branded gear and advertising. But it’s more than that. It’s about creating a sense of awe and inspiration, telling stories about what makes the university so special, and capturing what students feel when they join the Ramily and surrounding community.
“This initiative is focused on bringing to life CSU’s values and mission through a messaging platform that resonates with prospective students, parents and the broader Ram community,” said Nancy Deller, associate vice president for marketing and brand management. “We want more people across Colorado and beyond to know the power of CSU to transform lives and improve the human condition through world-class teaching, research and service. We are a force to reckon with in higher education, and that’s nothing to be quiet about.”
Over the past year and a half, MarComm has collected broad and deep feedback from various stakeholder groups in the CSU community and beyond. After gathering further input on a couple of different marketing approaches, they chose the “Find Your Energy” theme, incorporating various elements that resonated with different audiences, including prospective students.
Aug. 21 celebration
“Find Your Energy” is being rolled out internally this month, followed by a growing public presence in the market beginning later this fall. The CSU community will begin to experience “Find Your Energy” Aug. 21 on the Lory Student Center plaza, where a host of activities are planned between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a special treat at around 11:45 a.m.
“Demonstrating our value and the power of a CSU education through compelling storytelling is more important than ever,” said Kyle Henley, vice president for marketing and communications. “When you look across the higher education landscape, ‘Find Your Energy’ is something that is unique, stands out and connects prospective students, parents, alumni and other important audiences with stories and a look-and-feel that are true to CSU. Launching ‘Find Your Energy’ is the culmination of nearly two years of work, and I want to thank everyone within our campus community who have worked so hard to bring it to life.”
