University introduces new logo
To the Wake Forest Community:
For the past year, a group of Wake Foresters — including faculty, students, staff, and alumni — have worked on updating Wake Forest's visual identity. This project began as the first step in revamping our web site, and it also coincided with the University's strategic planning process.
We engaged RBMM, a nationally recognized identity design agency, as our partner in this effort. Their professional staff conducted focus groups and one-on-one interviews with various constituents of Wake Forest. They also reviewed extensive quantitative and qualitative research that was conducted as background to the strategic plan.
Visual identity includes primary, secondary, and neutral color palettes; typefaces; editorial style; photography style; a graphic standards manual; and logo. After intensive work with RBMM, the visual identity committee concurred on these updated elements earlier in the spring. After review by President Hatch, Provost Tiefenthaler, and the Board of Trustees, we began meeting with campus groups to present the new visual identity.
Because we had an open presentation Wednesday for Reynolda Campus students and staff, and will have a second one Thursday for Reynolda Campus faculty, we anticipate that the logo will appear in the news media; and it is important to us that you not only see the visual identity elements first, but also understand the rationale behind it and the messages it conveys. You may visit www.wfu.edu/logovideo to see and hear a fuller explanation.
It is also important for you to know that the new logo does not replace the University seal, which we use for official documents such as diplomas and transcripts, as well as in our most formal ceremonies; nor does it replace the symbols (the Deacon and the "block" WF) used by the Athletics Department.
In the mid-to-late summer you will begin to see our new logo in wide use. We believe it represents well what is constant and true about this special place.
Sincerely yours,
Sandra C. Boyette (MBA '95)
Senior Advisor to the President
Interim Vice President for Advancement
