We've given CUA Magazine a makeover. The redesigned magazine has a more contemporary and cleaner look. The content has been repackaged for an easier read. And the title of the magazine now uses the full name of the University. We are proud to be The Catholic University of America. The new title reflects that.
Months of planning and work went into the redesign. A comprehensive survey of randomly selected alumni commissioned by the University last year provided a starting point. The survey told us that magazine readers are interested in features on noteworthy alumni, University experts on national issues, CUA history, and faculty members' research and teaching.
Next we conducted a series of alumni focus groups between December 2011 and February 2012. These groups provided us with valuable information. As might be expected many individual opinions surfaced in the meetings. But there was also consensus on many topics. Readers like large photos and compelling images. They enjoy reading about students and other happenings on campus, including research, classes, and faculty and staff news. Class Notes is the most widely read section of the magazine and readers want more stories about fellow alumni.
Staff members in the Office of Public Affairs and the Office of Alumni Relations provided input and were closely involved in the redesign process. We looked at trends in publishing, particularly alumni magazines, and had several meetings to discuss how the redesign could best meet the needs of CUA readers. We developed a new mission statement. Then it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Working closely with Managing Editor Ellen Woods, Art Director Donna Hobson presented several redesign proposals for review and discussion.
The Catholic University of America Magazine is the result. Among the changes you will notice is that all University news is up front in one section and is presented in a more creative and engaging way. Class Notes is larger and better organized and features more alumni spotlights. Overall the design has a more consistent use of color and fonts to allow for an easy flow between articles and sections of the magazine.
Now we want to hear from you, our readers. Tell us what you think of your revamped alumni magazine. We invite you to take our quick and easy reader survey at http://cuamagazine.cua.edu (just click on "Tell Us What You Think"). Based on your input we will continue to refine and improve the magazine.
| - Victor Nakas Associate Vice President for Public Affairs Editor in Chief, The Catholic University of America Magazine |