McKendree Unveils New University Logo

6/27/2007

Lebanon, Ill. — McKendree College changes its name to McKendree University July 1. Along with the name change a new logo was unveiled on June 26 at the 14th Annual Pizza with the President luncheon held for the McKendree faculty and staff.

"Pizza with the President" has become a tradition at McKendree. McKendree President Jim Dennis often invites groups of students to his house for "Pizza with the President," to discuss issues and concerns regarding student life and their educational experience. During the summer, President Dennis hosts a "Pizza with the President" for the staff and faculty, recognizing the attendee’s contributions to McKendree through their years of service to the institution.

With the university’s new logo hanging high from the rafters of Pearsons Hall and speaking to the university’s faculty and staff, President Dennis said, McKendree’s transition from college to McKendree University "speaks to the institution's heritage as well as to the vision for its future. We are excited and proud as a community to have graduated from college to university," Dennis said. "With the growth of program offerings, new facilities and enrollment, we have evolved into a university, and now our name reflects that. This transition can be directly attributed to the success of McKendree’s students and the generous support of faculty, staff, friends and alumni."

Michele Peck, director of communications and marketing, was a member of the committee that worked with Arthur Agency in Carbondale, Ill. to develop "a new symbol for McKendree University – an identity with broad appeal." Peck said, "We wanted the McKendree University logo to be simple and clean, so that it is easily remembered and recognized by the public. The classic font reflects McKendree’s rich tradition of providing a liberal arts education. Our new logo, which frames ‘M-c-K,’ distinguishes McKendree University from the sea of ‘M-Us’ in our backyard and across the country. The cornerstone shape represents McKendree’s contribution as a building block of the community. In keeping with our heritage and our constant advancement, the radiating line surrounding the logo symbolizes McKendree University’s continuing efforts to expand education opportunities."

To publicize its change from college to university, McKendree is also planning a series of "U" events throughout the fall semester.

Founded in 1828, McKendree is Illinois' oldest and first college. McKendree is ranked among the top 14 percent of "Comprehensive Colleges—Bachelor’s" in the nation by U.S.News & World Report’s "America’s Best Colleges 2007." McKendree is also the only "Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelor’s" college or university in the St. Louis region to earn U.S.News & World Report‘s "Great Schools, Great Prices" ranking. Undergraduate and graduate experiences distinguished by great teaching, a vibrant community and successful outcomes have earned McKendree the title "College of Distinction." The college’s main campus is in Lebanon, Ill., just 25 miles from St. Louis. McKendree also has campuses in Louisville and Radcliff, Ky. and offers off-campus programs at Scott Air Force Base and other sites in Illinois and Kentucky. For more information about McKendree visit www.mckendree.edu.

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