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A logo for the University of Mary Washington, a new name that enters use Thursday, will be considered the same day by the institution's board of visitors. |
Mary Washington College's new public face could be unmasked as early as Thursday.
That's July 1, the day all state laws go into effect. It's also the day the school's new overarching name, University of Mary Washington, becomes official.
The MWC board of visitors will hold a special meeting that morning to vote on a university logo.
Only one logo will be presented, said Teresa Mannix, assistant director of news and information services for the college. It will be the design recommended by MWC President William Anderson.
Several logo options were shared with "different groups on campus that deal with graphic design every day," as well as with Dori Eglevsky, rector of the board of visitors, and Mona Albertine, the board's vice rector, she said.
Those groups forwarded their recommendations to Anderson, Mannix said.
Graphic designs, letterhead and logos displaying the university name were created by Barton, Matheson, Willse & Worthingon. The Baltimore marketing firm visited the campus several times this year to gather input from faculty, staff, students and alumni.
So far, the only recommendation Anderson has made public is a new name for the James Monroe Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, Mannix said. His preference is College of Graduate and Professional Studies, University of Mary Washington, she said.
Board members will vote on this name change Thursday, but staff at the James Monroe Center were already answering the telephone with "Mary Washington Graduate and Professional Studies" last week.
The school's Fredericksburg campus name, Mary Washington College, is not supposed to change, according to previous statements by college officials.
Yet the positioning of the university name on school logos and letterhead may or may not include the Mary Washington College campus name.
The board of visitors' makeup will change before Thursday's vote. Gov. Mark Warner will appoint at least one new member to the 12-person board.
Rector Eglevsky is stepping down from the board due to term limits, and several members are waiting to see if they are re-appointed.
Board of visitors appointments begin Thursday at all state public colleges and universities.
Following the MWC board's meeting Thursday, the new university flag will be raised during a 10 a.m. ceremony in front of Combs Hall. A celebration with cake and punch will follow.
If board members vote against the proposed logo, the consultants will return to work, Mannix said.
Thursday's party will go ahead as planned.
"Without a logo or with a logo, we'll be a university," Mannix said.
To reach KELLY HANNON: 540/374-5436 khannon@freelancestar.com
