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EMU launches new brand campaign; "Education First" tagline unifies University's communications

"Education First."

Eastern Michigan University unveiled its first-ever tagline, which highlighted the launch of a new advertising campaign, before a crowd of nearly 200 in the Student Center Ballroom Sept. 5.

BUILDING THE BRAND: Ted Coutilish, associate vice
president of University Marketing and
Communications, makes a point about marketing
EMU's brand during an internal launch of the
tagline in the Student Center Ballroom Sept. 5.
Nearly 200 faculty, staff and students turned out to
learn the University tagline is "Education First."

The event signaled the launch of the campaign, which aggressively brands the University's focus on education, and providing students and faculty with a caring and practical learning environment. The $1 million campaign — which includes print, outdoor and broadcast media — celebrates EMU's unique academic-focused brand.

The anticipation for the "Education First" tagline was whetted by a video that took the crowd from EMU's beginnings as a Normal school in 1849 to the present.

"I really do like the slogan," said Allie Sheppard, a senior from Clinton Township and Resident Hall Adviser (RHA) president. "I think it fits EMU very well. A lot of students are here for education first. There also are a lot of activities and opportunities here to apply what we learn in school to real-life events."

"My initial reaction is that I thought it was great," said Yichun Xie, professor of geography and geology. "Education is our roots. But, it (tagline) is good in that it goes beyond teaching and the classroom. It is our past, present and future direction."

Eastern Michigan University's first Brand Launch is scheduled Wednesday, Sept. 5, 1-2 p.m., in Grand Ballroom A, Student Center. At that time, the University's brand campaign and tagline will be unveiled. Th external launch of the brand campaign takes place Friday, Sept. 7. Look for FOCUS EMU's coverage of the event later this week.