Campus rebrand shakes up CSB+SJU life
Campus marketing department unveiled a new logo as well as various other changes to the school's branding. They aim to individualize the school's image and reflect the unique and vibrant community to prospective and incoming students across the country.
This year, CSB+SJU began taking major steps toward rebranding. This goes along with the new improvements of the school’s technological communication.
A purpose for CSB+SJU changing the colors and logos of the school is the dropping number of highschoolers planning to attend college. Having a brand with a lighter tone and more modern vibrance is an effort to make CSB+SJU a more alluring and well-known Catholic college. Marketing head Betsey Kershaw is being very mindful to not change the school’s purpose or ideals with the branding. “It is all about strengthening what we already have,” Kershaw said.
The most noticeable aspect of the school’s visual rebranding is the change in logo, which has long been a shield with a cross in the center. It seems that in the near future we will see the infamous honeycomb/hexagon shape on more school platforms instead. Kershaw explains that this is due to the number of Catholic schools who also use the shield as a logo. Making this change will modernize the school’s visuals to grab the attention of future students.
The honeycomb has been prominent in the school imagery since The Abbey was built in 1961. The honeycomb motif is a symbol of individual beauty contributing to a larger community and has been carried through to other parts of the school’s architecture and merch. You can find this pattern at the Sacred Heart Chapel where it has been incorporated into the chapel windows. You can also find students and alumni who will show off their honeycomb tattoos. This image is incorporated into the culture of CSB+SJU.
Because the Catholic symbols and teachings are an integral part of the schools founding and morality, the shield logo will also continue to have a cross represented in it to show that the schools remain rooted in their Benedictine values and continue to respect the monastic persons living on campus.
Another form of visual rebranding on campus is the removal of the murals on the side of link buses. This is being done as a part of the school’s efforts to be perceived as more cohesive and uniform. It is important to the leaders of CSB+SJU that the schools are seen as one family, “Together united.” This is upsetting for some students who feel that the art adds character and a sense of the school’s artistic prowess. Petitions have been formed by students who wish to see the art stay where it is.
Outside of campus aesthetics, technological changes have also been a point of discussion. With the new myCSBSJU app up and running, students have been given a much simpler way to seek out information.
Freshman Liz Kurhajetz said, “I like [the app], it’s nice being able to find all your information in one place!”
For many users it has taken time to learn the app’s set up, and where general information may be found.
Senior Taylor Samuelson said, “The switch to a new platform is difficult and can be especially frustrating, especially when upperclassmen were used to a different system, but I hope that with time and adjustments it will become clearer and more student friendly.”
