Iona College is set to embark on a new branding campaign as a part of a marketing initiative aimed at increasing enrollment and illustrating the “Iona story.”

A fundamental aspect of the branding campaign is redesigning the Iona logo which Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Paul Sutera describes as “a reflection of the new branding and messaging direction that Iona College will be embarking.”

The logo, pictured right, says Iona College although the old logo simply said Iona.

The old version often created some confusion for those looking at it in first glace, Sutera explained.

“With just the name Iona, people often think the letters are initials, or ask ‘is it Iona Prep, is it Iona College or is it Iona Grammar?’” he said.

“That’s why we’ve moved from a logo that just says Iona to one that says Iona College.”

In the nine month strategic planning process, the college decided it needed to develop a “branding and marketing initiative” that would be the stepping stone for projects such as the upcoming web redesign and media initiatives to be implemented next semester.

Working with FUSE Academia, the college has developed a new branding campaign to be shared with the entire Iona community through the unveiling of the recommended new logo in a Town Hall discussion.

“With the new logo, it is important to have a look or a mark that resembles the Iona [of] today while embracing the traditions of Iona from the past,” Sutera said.

“If you were here and you were part of the class of ’57 your experience would be different than those today, but still have the fundamental experiences of the Christian brothers and the Iona mission.”

Many students, however, after hearing rumors of changes in the Iona logo began to confuse the logo with the Iona crest, the circular seal seen on almost all things representing Iona from documents to apparel.

When told about student concern regarding changes to the Iona crest, college President Joseph E. Nyre said, “The seal, which is the presidential seal which is on the diplomas and every place else will not change.”

By presidential seal, Nyre was referring to what college communications labels the college crest, pictured right.

Both Nyre and Sutera explained that the new branding initiative will move the institution forward while staying committed to Iona’s mission, vision and values.

The entire Iona community is encouraged to attend the town hall to see the new logo, learn about the initiative and to voice any questions or concerns regarding the branding campaign.

The town hall will be held on Dec. 7 at 2:00 p.m. in Romita Auditorium.

Additional reporting contributed by Meaghan McGoldrick.