Alex Bell

18th Presidential Inauguration

ROLE – Art Direction & Design

I directed the visual identity for Dr. Jenny Coyle’s inauguration as Pacific University’s first alumni president. This involved crafting a cohesive visual narrative across multiple channels: print collateral, social media, Pacific magazine, email, and the university website.

Formal inauguration print invitation, trifold with a die-cut design, featuring two possible inserts that invitees may have received. The back panel of the invite includes a photo of Jenny Coyle.

Key messaging themes included positioning Pacific University as a leading research institution, highlighting Dr. Coyle’s journey as a first-generation student and our first alumni president, and laying the groundwork for the launch of her strategic planning and enrollment marketing initiatives.

I designed both the print invitation and the program. My colleague, with input from committee members, developed the copy. Invitations were mailed to a targeted number of households. I have also maintained a distinct sub-brand for Pacific University’s formal events, encompassing commencements, award ceremonies, and presidential events, which served as the foundation for these two pieces.

Print program for the inauguration event, inside spread. The left page features a photo of Jenny Coyle, and the right page contains her bio. The image also includes the cover of the program.
Inauguration Program – Opening Spread and Cover
Print program for the inauguration event, showing an additional inside spread. The left page features the theme and favorite poem of Jenny Coyle, 'I Dwell in Possibility.' The right page shows a campus photo of Marsh Hall. The image also includes the program's back cover design.
Inauguration Program – Internal Spread and Back Cover

Outcomes

  • The overall design strategy successfully elevated the inauguration experience for attendees and the broader university community, fostering a sense of pride and celebration.
  • The inauguration’s visual design received positive feedback from faculty, staff, and attendees, enhancing the university’s overall perception as a prestigious institution.
  • The invitation had three audience segments requiring different combinations of inserts, each tailored to their specific information needs. Careful design ensured that the inserts maintained aesthetic coherence and usability, whether received individually, paired, or as a set of three.
  • Creative print techniques were employed, including a die-cut feature on the invitation revealing the university seal and a soft-touch coating on the program, enhancing its tactile appeal while optimizing costs to meet budget targets.
Mock-up of a laptop displaying the Pacific University YouTube page with a thumbnail designed for the inauguration. The video is a live stream of the inauguration event.
Pacific University YouTube
Pacific magazine inauguration coverage, featuring Jenny Coyle on the cover with coverage of her inauguration. The photo essay spread highlights events from inauguration week.
Pacific magazine Spring 2023 Issue