Marketing
RU Staff Copywriter, Sara Myers, Receives 1st Place in Statewide Writing Contest
RU Staff Copywriter, Sara Myers, Receives 1st Place in Statewide Writing Contest04/24/2023 10:14 am
By Andrea V. Watson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Rockford University’s Marketing and Communications copywriter, Sara Myers, has been writing and editing for most of her life. That passion and love of storytelling was recently acknowledged when she received a prestigious writing award last month for an article she published in the Beloit Daily News.
Prior to joining RU, Myers worked as a reporter with the Adams Publishing Group, who owns Beloit Daily News. Her story, “Closing the ‘Boyfriend Loophole’ in Gun Law May Impact Domestic Violence,” received First Place in the “Localized National Story” category of the 2022 Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s (WNA) Foundation Better Newspaper Contest. Learn more about her award here.
The judges’ comments were:
“Really great job of presenting the data in a way that is simple to understand. This story was well-researched and incredibly well-written. Although guns being used in homicides more often than any other weapon seems obvious, the writer does a great job of including statistics to drive home the point. Using the local cases along with statewide data really localizes the national issue for the reader. This could be a textbook example for the category. Also, the compelling quote at the end resonates well. Excellent choice for the ending.”
“I was very surprised to hear I won this award,” Myers said. “I want to thank the judges for giving me this honor and thank them for their kind words. I also want to thank my family, friends, past editors (especially Clint Wolf of Beloit Daily News), colleagues, college professors and my boyfriend, Ian for supporting me and my career.”
Myers is a Rockford, Ill. native who said she grew up knowing she wanted to write professionally.
“At the age 14 I was inspired to go into the journalism field after reading magazines like Rolling Stone and Alternative Press,” she said.
Myers attended schools in the Winnebago School District and graduated from Winnebago High School in May of 2013. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin with her B.S. in Media Studies, with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in Public Relations.
Her resume includes an Editor-In-Chief position for her college’s newspaper, a radio DJ, and both editor and multimedia editor roles. Myers has written news and feature articles, as well as produced video content for both editorial and marketing projects.
When she’s not writing professionally, Myers said she enjoys writing songs and poetry. She also spends her free time attending concerts with friends or her boyfriend Ian. Besides loving and listening to music, Myers said she loves spending time with her dog Pearl, and friends and family, especially her new niece, Georgia, who turned 1 in February.
Digital Entrance Sign Request Form
12/14/2022 4:29 pm
Digital Entrance Sign Request Form
175 Years
09/09/2021 10:51 am
175 Years of Rockford University
On February 25, 1847, the charter was signed for Rockford Female Seminary, the predecessor to Rockford College, and today’s Rockford University. A women-only institution, Rockford Female Seminary was the companion school to Beloit College, which had been established for men in 1846.
Fast forward to February 25, 2022, and Rockford University commemorates 175 years of educational excellence, influencing the lives of tens of thousands of both men and women.
In January, we kicked off a year-long celebration of all things RU. Watch our website, social media channels, and newsletters for announcements over the coming months for how you can get involved and join the festivities.
175th Anniversary Celebration Events
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022
- Gala 2022: A Celebration of Campuses and Communities
- Regents Hall, Burpee Student Center | 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour | 7:00 p.m. dinner
- The university will host its annual gala, this year entitled Rockford University: Celebrating 175 Years of Campuses & Communities. In this black-tie optional fete—the first of many exciting anniversary events—we will celebrate the people and places that have made Rockford home for generations of students.
- Register today at https://www.rockford.edu/gala/.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
- Charter Day Convocation
- Maddox Theatre, 4-5 p.m.
- This annual event commemorating the signing of the university’s charter includes an academic procession and special guest speakers. A light reception will follow.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022
- 175th Anniversary Historical Exhibition
- Rockford University Art Gallery, Clark Arts Center, Evening 5- 7 p.m.
- An array of historical artifacts from the university’s archives will be on display in this unique and engaging exhibit, which will run for two weeks. Join us for an evening cocktail reception to open the exhibit and immerse yourself in the little-seen relics of our past.
FALL 2022
- Rockford University Ramble 5K
- Rockford University, October 1, 2022
- Sign up to run (or walk) in a 5K race that will have you winding through our tree-lined campus just as the leaves are starting to turn. Taking place during Homecoming and Reunion weekend, the Ramble is the perfect way to warm up before cheering our football team on to victory.
- Reunion 2022
- Rockford University, Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2, 2022
- Come back to celebrate with us again! If you’d like to help make reunion a fun-filled time for your class, please contact us at alumni@rockford.edu.
175 Faces of Rockford University
As this institution celebrates the 175th anniversary of our original charter, it seems like an ideal time to celebrate 175 Faces of Rockford University. This celebration will include a social media campaign commemorating 175 alums, founders, presidents, professors, and other notable people who positively affected the history of Rockford University or provided service to the broader community. Each person recognized must have a special connection to Rockford Female Seminary, Rockford College, or Rockford University. Not all nominations will be included.
On February 25, 2022, Rockford University marked 175 years since the charter’s signing to create our resilient institution that many people know and love. Watch the Charter Day Convocation Ceremony below.
Marketing and Communications Department
Johnson Alumni Center
5050 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108
Directory Updates
07/29/2021 11:01 am
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2020 Graduate Info For Catalyst
11/02/2020 5:15 pm
Rockford University Class of 2020,
We want to recognize you in the upcoming issue of our alumni magazine, Catalyst. If you’d like a chance to be featured, please share with us any photos you took of yourself celebrating in your cap and gown. Be sure to include all information requested below so we can recognize you properly.
Industry Standards
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| Standard Projects | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep | Printing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertisement (paid) | 16-19 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | N/A |
| Banner/Sign | 24-27 days | 8 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Brochure (tri-fold, no die cuts or perforations) | 36-39 days | 20 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Direct Mail/Postcard | 31-34 days | 15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Event Program or Multi-page Booklet (standard binding, no die cuts or embellished printing techniques) |
26-29 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Note cards/Invitations with Envelopes (no die cuts or embellished printing techniques) |
26-29 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Poster/Flyer (no die cuts or embellished printing techniques) |
21-24 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 5 days |
| Complex Projects | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep | Printing |
| Brochure (non-traditional folds, die cuts and/or perforations) |
44-47 days | 25 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
| Direct Mail pieces/Postcards (series of) |
44-47 days | 25 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
| Event Program or Multi-page Booklet (non-traditional binding, die cuts and/or embellished printing techniques) |
34-37 days | 15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
| Note cards/Invitations with Envelopes (die cuts and/or embellished printing techniques) |
34-37 days | 15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
Web, Videograpahy & E-Mail
| Standard Project | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Email Communication (on campus) |
10-13 days | 5 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Social Media | 8-11 days | 3 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Webpage Edit (small change) | 7-10 days | 2 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Complex Project | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep |
| Email Communication (off campus) |
15-18 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Videography | 36-49 days | 30-40 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day |
| Website Content (create/layout new content for 1-3 pages) |
15-23 days | 10-15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
Photography
| Total Business Days | Scheduling | Upload | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Photographer (budget required) |
12-13 days | 10 days | 2-3 days |
| Campus Photographer | 7-8 days | 5 days | 2-3 days |
Press & Media
| Total Business Days | Writing | Internal Proof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media (Press Release) | 7-8 days | 6-7 days | 1 days |
*If needed and upon receiving content, outlines or information.
Brand Assets
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Campus Client Pledge
07/15/2019 4:38 pm
Campus Client Pledge
As a team member, you play an active role in the development of your project. You know your goals and audience better than anyone else, and we depend on you to communicate whom you’re trying to reach and what you want your project to achieve.
In turn, our role is to tailor the message to your audience by creating an effective end-product on time and within your budget.
Recognizing these roles and following through on responsibilities is key to the success of each project.
Your role/responsibilities as a client:
- Define your project’s purpose and audience
- Determine your budget
- Commit to timely communication with the Marketing & Communications team
- Provide clear and concise delivery instructions
- Meet deadlines
- Project / file management proofed for accuracy
- Provide content or photography direction, if applicable.
- Commit to proofing work prior to printing and/or online posting
Marketing & Communication’s role/responsibilities:
- Create and maintain a production schedule
- Create an appealing, effective end-product
- Adhere to client’s budget
- Commit to timely communication with and response to the client
- Meet or exceed deadlines
Project Requests
07/15/2019 3:59 pm
Project Requests
The Office of Marketing and Communications offers services to campus clients in the following areas:
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Please send project requests to communications@rockford.edu.
FAQ:
Q: What size does a portal banner need to be?
A: 1300 x 615px
Q: What size do RU Stream banners need to be?
A: 1920 x 950px
*The Marketing/Communications team approve portal and stream banners. Any questions on banners can be sent to Sara Myers (smyers@rockford.edu) and/or Kayla Eddy (keddy@rockford.edu).
**Please submit your banner ONLY two weeks before your event date. Please note to keep important info away from the bottom as they get cut off depending on the size of the monitor.
To request to post a portal banner or RU stream banner, go here.
Marketing & Communications
Rockford University
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108Marketing/Communications Team:
Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
- Email: smyers@rockford.edu
- Phone: 815-394-5052
Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator
- Email: keddy@rockford.edu
- Phone: 815-394-5041
RU Marketing/Communications email:
What We Do
With extensive experience in both print and digital media, we collaborate with all campus offices and departments to help achieve their marketing and communication goals.
We concept, plan, write, design, and execute materials and communication that reaches out to internal and external audiences; elevates awareness of the University; attracts people to events; and delivers important information effectively and creatively through articulating and implementing Rockford University’s branding initiatives. When a project demands expertise or equipment beyond what’s available on campus, we coordinate with outside vendors and consultants to complete your project.
How We Work
Due to a large volume of requests, we must receive all materials for your project at least six weeks prior to the date of your project or event. For smaller projects and updates we request a two-week lead time. This will help us to prioritize and schedule various on-going communications accordingly.
*View industry standards for project lead times
To submit a request, please email Sara at smyers@rockford.edu or Kayla at keddy@rockford.edu.
Please understand that emailing us does not guarantee that a webpage, publication, or photographer will be available. We are happy to work with you to find the best solutions to meet your goals.
Creative Services
11/02/2018 2:53 pm
Creative Services
The Marketing and Communications department works with our colleagues across campus to aggregate, curate, and steward the Rockford University brand.
- As aggregators, we bring together people to connect and share ideas, goals, and strategies.
- As curators, we care for and protect the creative and brand assets of our institution.
- As stewards, we develop and manage the Rockford University brand to help position and strengthen our institution for the future.
As Rockford University’s in-house marketing agency, we work to continually develop, champion, and deploy Rockford University’s brand identity and standards. We’re driven by collaboration, creativity, and strategy, and we’re meticulous about the details. We’re also really good at asking a lot of questions. That helps us remain a strategic partner in the recruitment, fundraising, and retention efforts and priorities of our institution.
Per the Rockford University Brand Standards Guide, any marketing projects intended for off-campus audiences must be reviewed and approved by the Marketing department before distribution.
Brand Assets
Logos
The official logo of Rockford University represents our entire institution and is the foundation of our visual brand identity. Because our logo is central to our identity, its integrity and value is of upmost importance. Therefore, the following guidelines must be followed in order for our institution to receive strong brand recognition throughout the world.
- The logo may only be used in the approved colors: PMS 2104 (CMYK 85, 100, 0, 0), Black, or Reversed (White).
- When using the reversed logo, it should be placed on a solid colored background of PMS 2104 (CMYK 85, 100, 0, 0) or Black.
- Because the logo is stacked and centered, it is best to center the logo at the top or bottom of your document. If using text underneath the logo, center the text and provide some space between the logo and text; the text and logo should be of similar visual weight.
- Do not stretch or alter the size and proportion of the logo; please contact the Marketing department if you need assistance with resizing the logo appropriately for your needs.
Typography
The Marketing department uses two main typefaces in marketing materials: Akzidenz-Grotesk and Bebas Neue. Bebas Neue is reserved for headlines and subheadings, while Akzidenz-Grotesk (regular weight) is used for copy and bodies of text.
Acceptable fonts
Because not every department on campus has access to Bebas Neue or Akzidenz-Grotesk, the following options for fonts are acceptable.
Brand Color Palette
Our primary colors are Purple (Pantone 2104) and White. However, we also have an extended palette of secondary colors to use throughout our Rock Solid marketing campaign. When printing materials, please use the CMYK color codes. RGB and Web color codes may be used for online and electronic materials. In order to build a consistent brand presence for the University, it is imperative that only approved colors are used whenever presenting the Rockford University logo; the logo may only be used in Purple (Pantone 266 or CMYK 79, 90, 0, 0), White, or Black.
Imagery
One of our most powerful tools to communicate our brand is our use of images. In many cases, imagery is the language of Rock Solid. We strive to create compelling, emotional, and authentic images for all of our marketing pieces. Our use of imagery is strategic and connects our advertising collateral to each other. Throughout the academic year, the Marketing department will schedule photo shoots of students, employees, and alumni. In addition, we will also utilize photos taken by departments and other individuals from our campus community. A photo and video release form is located on the Marketing page of the Rockford University Portal site. Please use it to obtain permission from people, both on campus and off campus, who are subjects of any pictures you or your department take. Once the form is signed, please send it to the Marketing department, so we can archive it in our files.
We have a gallery of general campus photos for our campus partners.
Department Menu -
Marketing & Communications
Rockford University
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108Marketing/Communications Team:
Sara Myers, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
- Email: smyers@rockford.edu
- Phone: 815-394-5052
Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator
- Email: keddy@rockford.edu
- Phone: 815-394-5041
RU Marketing/Communications email:
