Even a single plaque is an opportunity to honor a legacy. I design and write commemorative signage that goes beyond simple naming, distilling the essence of a person’s life and contribution into a heartfelt narrative that gives a space its soul.

The Team: In-house editorial, design, photo, print, digital, research, advancement specialists; staff facilities crew; print vendors.

The Intent: Create a permanent record that honors a donor’s gift and shows their family that the university truly understands their loved one’s legacy.

My Action:

• Spearheaded research to find the personal and professional milestones that best captured the subject’s heart for the institution.
• Authored concise, powerful narratives designed to fit the tight physical and budget constraints of permanent signage.
• Guided a collaborative review process with families and donors, ensuring every word met their approval and treated their history with the dignity it deserved.
• Aligned the final text with the university’s overall naming strategy, attempting to ensure consistency of voice across every campus landmark.
• Balanced the needs of the institution with the expectations of the donors, prioritizing the relationship to ensure they felt a deepened, positive bond with the university.

The Result: By focusing on the human side of the naming process, I helped create a permanent educational asset and ensure our donors walked away feeling a profound sense of trust and pride in the institution.