President Philomena V. Mantella will lead a presentation about communication themes and how they present a framework for messaging at the next University Communicator Network meeting.

Mantella has prioritized the UCN as among the first campus groups she addresses ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Join us on Thursday, August 7, from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Kirkhof Center, room 2263, on the Valley Campus. 

University Marketing has completed its update of Grand Valley's primary logos. All secondary and tertiary logos have also been created and are currently being distributed to the appropriate units, departments, etc. If your area has not received its revised logos, please contact Bryan Bickford (bickforb@gvsu.edu).

The revised logos are the first stage of the university brand refresh, which will roll out completely in August. 

The brand refresh will also include updated messaging, new tagline (Turning What If Into What Is), nomenclature for the Valley and City campuses and a brand awareness advertising campaign. UMark will host a limited number of in-person or online brand information sessions as well as a webinar specifically for UCN members. 

All employees will receive a packet in intercampus mail in September with details about the brand messaging and how to continue to be a brand ambassador.

Grand Valley Magazine features will be spread out and shared via email through August, providing readers with an easy format to keep up with alumni, faculty and student successes.

Campus communicators can help their audiences engage with GVM by sharing stories about the retirement of longtime Detroit sports broadcaster John Keating ’79, who got his start at Grand Valley's student radio station, and President Philomena V. Mantella's message, which details plans for Blue Dot, within newsletters or social platforms.

If you have content ideas to share with others for their socials or newsletters, use the #UCN Zoom channel.

Is your faculty/staff directory updated? With new hires, promotions and retirements, this is a good time to check for accurate titles and contact information.

Need new portraits? The University Communications photo team maintains a calendar scheduler. 

Save the date for a special UCN meeting in October. Author, motivational speaker and consultant Valerie Garcia will present a Storytelling Master Class on October 16, 10-11:30 a.m., at the Alumni House on the Valley Campus.

Please save the date and share with colleagues. An RSVP form will come your way soon. 

Valerie's book, "We're Gonna Need Cake: Celebrating Authentic Leadership in a Messy World," was listed by Forbes among its list of five books to help leaders motivate their teams.