Oregon State University's Campaign Reaches $1 Billion

We're so pleased to learn that our friends at OSU have achieved such success with their campaign. KWD partnered with OSU for their first-ever comprehensive campaign which was launched in 2007. The campaign surpassed its original goal of $625 million in its first three years and it has now reached $1 billion. KWD worked with OSU on campaign messaging, naming and identity, case statements, and a website.

Here are the comments from President Edward J. Ray regarding our partnership: “From outstanding photographs to powerful words, you and your staff have created an attractive and compelling look, flagship brochure, and website that we are proud to share with our alumni and friends. We consider ourselves well-equipped for the next stage as we continue our drive to bring Oregon State University to a new level of excellence.” Read more about their achievements in the Portland Business Journal article.

Murray State University / Capital Campaign Case Statement

Kelsh Wilson developed the name, graphic identity, and case statement for a $60 million campaign for Murray State University in Murray, KY. Inspired by a line from the school’s alma mater, the campaign name, “Hold Thy Banner High,” resonated strongly with alumni. Because the campaign launched publicly amid recessionary economic news, the messaging focused strongly on support for students—the single largest campaign priority and one donors continue to recognize as vital. 

Rutgers University / University Case Statement

Designed as part of a comprehensive communication strategy for Rutgers University’s $1 billion campaign, Our Rutgers, Our Future, this publication offers clear and concise case for support to donors. The case includes sections explaining what the campaign is about and why donors should invest: a statement of vision, an outline of campaign funding purposes and goals, and a menu of general giving opportunities. It was supported through the compelling stories presented in the campaign Pride Book. 

Rutgers University / Pride Book

During an extensive message research phase for Rutgers University’s $1 billion campaign, Our Rutgers, Our Future, KWD heard numerous alumni express their pride in the institution and also the concern that the University’s accomplishments were not as widely recognized as they should be. This made the goal of engendering pride particularly important for Rutgers and for the campaign. KWD proposed an approach that was somewhat different: collecting that spirit into a single volume, separate from the details of the campaign. Each page or spread in this volume tells a single story and each story is short and simply stated with striking photography.

University of Delaware / ISE Lab Case Statement

In support of University of Delaware's fundraising for this new facility, KWD created a highly visual, engaging case statement that development officers from both the College of Arts & Sciences and College of Engineering could use to inspire interest among donors. The case featured stories of professors and students who will benefit from the new facility, as well as renderings to show how the spaces would be configured to drive research and learning across disciplines.