Moving into the new year, College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to announce the introduction of a bold, new brand consisting of an updated logo mark and colors as well as a mascot. The CWI brand refresh has been a comprehensive and inclusive process which has included surveys, focus groups, and numerous opportunities for input with students, employees, business partners, and the community. A brand is important to an organization for several reasons including connection, growth, and sustainability. As the population in the Treasure Valley and the state increases, a strong brand sets CWI apart, differentiating it from other higher education institutions, keeping it visible and top-of-mind.
The CWI brand, established nearly 13 years ago, has served as a visual representation of the College’s mission to expand learning and life opportunities, encourage individual advancement, contribute to Idaho’s economic growth, strengthen community prosperity, and develop leaders. It’s a new day in higher education, and CWI’s brand must reflect this. The refreshed brand communicates the College’s fearless commitment to its core themes including student success, instructional and inclusive excellence, and community connections. CWI has and will continue to empower thousands to build a better future for themselves and their families as they explore new heights, embrace opportunity, and pursue their dreams.
Early input gathered during the brand refresh has guided the direction of the new logo which boasts a clean design with a bold and modern edge. Characteristics and attributes of quality, friendliness, and innovation, among others, are conveyed throughout the new logo design. The west-pointing compass arrow below the W represents movement, direction, and connection while paying homage to the compass from the original logo design. ‘Western’ is emphasized in the word mark highlighting the 10-county service area the College serves and more clearly distinguishing its identity from other institutions across the state. Underlying symbolic connections to the outdoors and nature informed both the logo design and color palette.
CWI’s new brand will be rolled out in phases with full, campus-wide rollout, including introduction of the mascot’s visual identity.
