Challenge: The University of St. Thomas-Houston, in the early stages of the largest fundraising campaign in its history, recognized the need for a fresh, updated magazine that would promote UST’s campaign priorities, strengthen brand awareness and focus more on alumni and donors.

Solution: Based on an assessment of UST’s integrated strategic communication needs, the GideonStone team researched, wrote, designed and produced a new magazine, UST Today. Drawing reader attention with a creative cover focused on the sciences and undergraduate research, the magazine emphasized quality photography, creative feature design by world-class design partner Goldengraphix, alumni success stories and UST faculty, student and program achievements related to Advancement and institutional priorities. The entire issue can be read here.

Results:

• Numerous alumni commented on the marked increase of their visibility in the new publication.
• Publication was honored by Region IV CASE Accolades in the “most improved” category.
• Science faculty became more engaged in the fundraising process as a result of the positive exposure.
• A former university president wrote: “I really noticed an improvement; wonderful, can’t wait until the next issue. Excellent new standard of excellence; keep it up.”
• Publication was mailed to 32,500 households, was used as a reputation-building tool throughout the nearby Texas Medical Center and with universities across a 15-state region and was sent as an UST introduction to neighbors living near the campus.