Truman State University unveiled its new logo and tagline “Distinct by Design” today as part of its rebranding campaign.
University President Sue Thomas hosted a reveal of the new brand created with SME Marketing, the New York based marketing firm was hired last year to help the University rebrand. Faculty, staff, students and community members were encouraged to attend.
The reveal was held in Baldwin Hall Auditorium, which was nearly full in anticipation.
Thomas opened the ceremony by going through the process Truman and SME used to create the new logo.
Conor O’ Flaherty, managing director at SME, said the company wanted to concentrate on Truman’s student first philosophy. He also said the firm and University administration wanted to focus on what makes Truman different, which led to a focus on Truman’s liberal arts and sciences mission.
A faculty member, a current student and Board of Governors representative, a staff member, an alumnus, a future student and the Kirksville city manager helped reveal the new logo on stage.
The new logo features a purple T broken into sharp pieces. O’ Flaherty said the sharp edges are meant to represent the liberal arts mission and the bold font is to draw attention to how different Truman is.
Spike, Truman’s mascot, came out and gave shirts away to people in the crowd. Thomas then announced that everyone in attendance would be given a free shirt with the new logo and tagline on it after the presentation.
All students who could not make the unveiling received an email stating where they can get their free shirts. Free shirts are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union Building and from 12-2 p.m. in Ophelia Parrish Hall and Barnett Hall on Thursday, March 5. Shirts will also be available from 9-11 a.m. in Violette Hall and Baldwin Hall and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union Building on Friday, March 6.
Thomas said the logo used for athletics will also be getting an update and that design will be revealed in April.
Next, the University will externally update its logo by sharing it with alumni and periodically updating certain exterior advertisements.