Fordham University Redesigning the Center for Community Engaged Learning
How can CCEL develop a recognizable visual identity that feels independent and approachable, while still operating within Fordham University’s branding system across digital and print touchpoints?
The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) connects Fordham University with local and global communities through experiential learning and reciprocal partnerships that integrate academic inquiry with civic engagement to advance justice, solidarity, and social responsibility.
For this academic project, I redesigned CCEL’s visual identity—through logo design, color palette, and typography—with a primary focus on improving recognizability and visibility within the Fordham student body.
1. The Logo
The primary logomark combines three core ideas from Civic Engagement’s mission: a bridge, a rising sun, and a human-centered foundation. The bridge grounds the mark in CCEL’s role connecting Fordham with surrounding communities, while the five outward-opening sun rays reference the five pillars of CCE's Asset-Based Community Development; the negative space between them subtly forms a human figure, reinforcing the people-first nature of the work.
The logotype is set in VTC Bayard for its bold, highly recognizable presence, with Fordham University’s logotype placed beneath at a smaller scale in Fordham maroon to maintain institutional alignment while allowing Civic Engagement to stand as a distinct, student-recognizable identity.
2. Typography
Bayard is a bold, condensed sans-serif inspired by signage from the 1963 March on Washington, bringing strong presence and historical weight to the CCEL logotype and key headlines.
Center for Civic Engagement
Atkinson Hyperlegible serves as the supporting typeface for body copy, prioritizing clarity and accessibility to ensure CCEL’s communications remain readable and inclusive for all audiences.
Make an Impact. Here. There. Everywhere.
3. Colors
4. Applications
