The Brand and Challenge
Wheaton College is the top distinctively Christian liberal arts college in the U.S. The College wished to develop a capital campaign with an umbrella look and feel for its $175 million capital campaign. The original website that had been developed for the campaign did not have the look, feel, or functioning that reflected the excitement and scope our client had for this ambitious 5-year campaign.
What We Did
Verve worked with the Advancement staff to develop the look, feel, and messaging that would be used across all campaign communications. We designed and developed the campaign website that all communications drove to. Other work included print pieces to support major donor efforts and promotional materials for local events held throughout the U.S. for alumni.
Website
A new website was developed which is the hub where all marketing communications drive to. 
The “From the Heart, For the Kingdom” website brought to life the message that an investment in students is an investment in long-term kingdom advancement. The site is designed to engage with the entire range of potential donors — those who are ready to act from the get-go to those who are casually considering the idea of gifting.
Nine giving initiatives were featured on the website within a campaign-wide messaging framework of helping the College to be more “Remarkable, Relevant, and Reachable.” And a section of student stories helped donors connect their gift to the real-life differences being made in the lives of actual students.
Major Donor Print Materials
Materials included a campaign multi-page brochure, folder, and flyers promoting each of the campaign initiatives. Verve Marketing Group received the Communicator Award of Distinction by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts for the vision-casting brochure design.
Local Event Materials
We also helped promote the College’s “Wheaton Together” alumni gala events held across the country. Materials designed included print and email invitations, event programs, PowerPoint presentation graphics, pledge cards, and event signage.
The Results
The campaign exceeded the target goal. The College achieved $187 million in giving, surpassing the campaign goal of $175 million.
Verve Marketing Group received the MarCom Gold Award for design of the campaign website.
“Verve brought our concept to life with a site that’s both beautiful and practical. It looks great and it’s driving traffic through to action. Our internal team is thrilled.”
— Deb Keiser
Campaign Marketing Strategist, Wheaton College
