The word is out – Purdue University has a new look and a new framework for sharing its powerful story in a unified voice focused on Boilermaker determination and achievements toward building a better world together. Captured in the phrase, “Purdue University, the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap,” is the essence of the new branding that officially launched January 30.
Evolved from the highly successful 150th Anniversary celebration theme of “Take Giant Leaps,” the new branding emphasizes small steps and persistence toward the next giant leap. Visual components include a new logo that combines the widely recognized “Motion P” with the Purdue University wordmark, as well as new fonts and a new color palette. Unified around the philosophy of what it means to be Purdue University, the color palette utilizes only shades of gold and black, and makes Athletics Gold, now called “Boilermaker Gold,” Purdue’s primary gold color creating a cohesive look across Purdue Athletics and academics.
As important, if not more so, than the visual aspects, are the messaging elements, summarized in the following statement of who we are as an institution – the “big idea” that forms the foundation of our brand: “Purdue University is about the persistent pursuit of innovation where people bring their best and learn to build a better world together.” Or, simply put, “Persistent Innovation. Together.”
Details of the new branding are available on Purdue Office of Marketing and Media’s brand website, which addresses everything from brand strategy, to writing style, to visual components and social media. There is no need to discard existing materials. The new branding will be phased in over the coming year as new materials are produced and existing supplies run out, including such items as business cards.
Purdue Email Signature Generator
One thing to do right away, however, is to update your email signature to the new brand standard using the new generator available on the Purdue Brand website. As we are communicating with clients, research collaborators, vendors, colleagues, and students, it’s important that we present a consistent look for the University. As you fill in the forms on the generator, three options will auto-fill your content to the right. Depending on content length, some options may display better than others. Once all the content has been added and you’ve decided which option you like best, click on the option header, right click the highlighted signature, and copy into your email program of choice. In Outlook, go to File > Options > Mail > Signatures, clear the existing content in the signature editor, and paste. In order to keep the text black and gold and eliminate links coming through as blue in color, simply select the link and change the color from “Automatic” to “Black, Text 1”. You’re all set!
Following the brand standards is essential to the success of the University and our College. Protecting the integrity of the brand by being faithful to the messaging as well as the visual brand standards is vital. Purdue Veterinary Medicine is in the process of transitioning to the new brand with more details coming soon. Please contact Allison Carey, assistant director of communications, with any branding questions at aacarey@purdue.edu.
Click here to view a complete news release about the Purdue brand launch.