Campus News
April 6, 2011
Candler campaign makes 'Real' impact
Third-year Gretchen Van Ess, Emory’s first student to pursue a joint Master of Divinity and Master of Public Health degree, is bringing safe water to children in Haiti.
By April Bogle
Candler School of Theology is sharing real-life stories of students, alumni and faculty as part of a major new marketing campaign designed to highlight the school's distinctions, particularly the "realness" of its community and approach to theological education.
"At Candler, we prepare real people to make a real difference in the real world," says Jan Love, dean and professor of Christianity and world politics. "Our student body is richly diverse, and our faculty is revered for its distinguished scholarship and service to the church. That combination gives our graduates the broad perspective and real-life experience they need to face the challenges of ministry in the 21st century."
The "Real" campaign is designed to attract the attention of millennials and second-career boomers who want to do their part to improve the world of the church and global society in general. It features dramatic photos of people making a difference, along with brief success stories.
"We hope students recognize themselves in these photos and stories, feel a connection, and realize Candler is the place for them to be transformed into multi-dimensional Christian leaders who put faith and love into action," says Love.
"Real" was inspired by the stories faculty, staff and students shared during the campaign's marketing research phase: what they hoped to do with their lives, why they chose Candler, and how Candler is preparing them for ministry with tangible positive impact.
People from all walks of life—some 50 denominations, 20 countries, numerous ethnicities, ages ranging from 23 to nearly 70, and a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds—had one thing in common: their desire to contribute in a meaningful way to the world.
This authenticity prompted the school's new branding theme, "Candler Prepares Real People to Make a Real Difference in the Real World," and the creation of six key messages (Real People, Real Commitment, Real Dialogue, Real Possibilities, Real Change and Real International Engagement) that are supported by a series of "Real" stories.
Early results from the "Real" campaign are positive: there is an increase in applications for Candler's Master of Divinity Program compared to a year ago, and the school's admissions officers are reporting positive feedback from their recruiting road trips.
