Challenge: The University of St. Thomas, Houston’s Catholic university, was involved in the largest fundraising campaign its history, and the new vice president wanted a fresh campaign look to attract the attention of business and community leaders.
Solution: GideonStone developed an “impact report” that replaced the traditional annual report (read full report here). The bold design, theme-organized content, horizontal layout and special printing techniques combined for dramatic effect. Greg Golden served as artistic director and designer for the publication and also designed a campaign wordmark. The university president, Dr. Robert Ivany, said, “The UST Impact report celebrates the achievements of our graduates, students and faculty. Several alumni have gone out of their way to compliment me on its colorful layout, excellent articles and human interest appeal.”
Results:
- Executives and board leaders used the report to excite current donors and attract new ones.
- Report was named a finalist in 2013 American Marketing Association-Houston Crystal Awards.
- Distributed to community leaders across Houston and beyond. One CEO responded: “I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading the report. I was, quite frankly, blown away. It was inspiring and informative. It this was part of an awareness campaign, it worked. Great job.”
- The “look and feel” of the publication was replicated in future campaign materials.
