As students arrived this week to check in at Founders Hall for the fall semester, they were greeted by a large banner at the front of the building featuring the College’s new promotional theme: Uniquely Guilford.
More banners in College colors line Founders Walk in the central campus quadrangle, with the theme logo on one side and a brag point on the other side, such as “The Underground Railroad ran through our woods,” “NC’s only Colleges that Change Lives institution” and “Everyone uses first names here.”
A fingerprint in the theme logo signifies the uniqueness of everyone in the Guilford community and the value they contribute to the College every day. Also, the theme draws attention to the unique qualities of the College, says Steve Mencarini, Chief Enrollment Officer.
“The word 'unique' is used to describe students' experiences often around campus. So we've decided to own that we are 'unique' and to promote us as such,” Steve says.
The Uniquely Guilford theme is rooted in what is most distinctive about the College: strong faculty-staff-student relationships, community-focused campus environment, innovative and practical liberal arts curriculum and Quaker-inspired values.
The theme is featured in the College’s new digital viewbook and will be in other Admission materials as well as on umbrellas for rainy-day campus tours and on hand fans.
Acting President Jean Parvin Bordewich noted that the Uniquely Guilford theme is part of an overall strategy to ensure the College’s sustainability.
“The ‘Guilford College of the future’ must double down on what is unique and most valuable at our school,” Jean says. “That will enable us to recruit and retain a broader group of students who will be a good fit for Guilford, remain for four years and have meaningful lives after they graduate.”
The Uniquely Guilford theme will be used in outreach to prospective students, families and donors, as well as to current students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
A group of Guilford staff and faculty representing various areas of the College will be working to implement use of the theme across the campus.
“We intend for the theme to be a rallying point for Guilfordians in a time of transition and progress,” says Ty Buckner, Chief Communications Officer. “As we have seen, especially in recent years, Guilford is at its best when everyone shares in the experience.”