Adding a second higher education institution to its roster of clients, Tripepi Smith has engaged with California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) to create a suite of advocacy materials for its Integrated Science and Engineering (ISE) Building.
A national leader in student success and social mobility, CSUSM is ranked in the top five percent of CollegeNET’s Social Mobility Index, which measures the extent to which a college or university educates students with family incomes below the national median at lower tuition rates and graduates them into good-paying jobs. The university aspires to attract first-generation students and future generations of students who will drive intellectual engagement, innovation and sustainability.
CSUSM’s Integrated Science and Engineering Building will integrate emerging technologies and engineering with other science disciplines and serve as a gateway for innovation in high tech, biotech and life-science industrial growth in North San Diego County.
To bring a fresh lens to the university advancement team’s efforts to cultivate donors, Jessica Berger, vice president of university advancement and executive director of the California State University San Marcos Foundation, recruited Tripepi Smith Principal Katherine Griffiths, who brings expertise in developing materials for the $7 billion Campaign for USC and $635 million Campaign for Claremont McKenna College.
The project scope included developing key messages, crafting content and designing a case statement to be presented in printed and electronic formats.
Throughout the three-month engagement, Katherine, as well as Tripepi Smith Art Director Kevin Bostwick and Senior Business Analyst Karen Villasenor, met weekly with CSUSM advancement and communications team members including Berger, Associate Vice President for Development Jocelyn Wyndham, Director of Philanthropy Mike Hele, Chief Communications Officer Margaret Chantung, Director of Communications Christine Vaughan, and Visual Communications Specialist Marcus Torres.
“Katherine is an empathetic listener,” said Berger. “Everyone was impressed by how quickly she picked up on our culture and how accurately she articulated our vision areas.”
The basic brochure, which earned accolades from Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Carl Kemnitz and College of Science, Technology Engineering and Math Dean Jackie Trischman, includes sections on transformation, student success, connections, diversity and industry partnerships, is intended as a high-level overview that will meet the immediate needs of the planning and presentation process. To allow for evolving developments and room for building out additional content such as naming opportunities or programmatic areas, Kevin incorporated a back pocket and templated, insertable pages to match the design.
“We thank Kevin for elevating the flow and feel of the design,” said Berger. “He is very talented and a joy to work with.”
Kevin also created slides to accompany the printed and digital brochures, which the advancement team, supported by faculty, students and industry partners, has presented to the California State University chancellor and board of trustees, as well as prospective leadership donors.
“The brochures have been very well received during presentations and donor visits,” said Berger. “We are so grateful for the wonderful partnership with Tripepi Smith on this project.”
About California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)
Building on an innovative 30-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos, the University is just a short distance from some of Southern California’s best beaches and an hour from the U.S.-Mexico border. CSUSM enrollment is over 16,000 and the university is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Duarte, City of Grover Beach, City of Santa Paula, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Napa, City of Paramount, City of Martinez, City of Tracy, City of Vallejo, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California Contract Cities Association, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, Bob Hall & Associates, West Coast Arborists and Climatec.
