Elevating the CU Anschutz Brand, 9-18-2025

Dear CU Anschutz community,

We have an incredible story to tell at CU Anschutz, and thanks to your extraordinary work we have reached new levels of distinction in Colorado. Now, we’re taking the next step to ensure our brand reflects that progress and positions us for what lies ahead.

Launching a Brand Alignment Initiative
In today’s competitive landscape, a clear and unified brand is essential for connecting people with our mission and amplifying the impact of our work. 

That’s why we’re launching a campuswide brand alignment effort to bring our schools, departments and programs under one unmistakable CU Anschutz identity.

Why Brand Matters
While a brand is much more than a logo, our logo ‒ and the name behind it ‒ is the most visible expression of who we are. Yet today, more than 500 logos and naming conventions are in use across our campus, creating confusion and diluting our story. 

With this initiative, we will simplify and strengthen how we present ourselves under a singular brand that represents what we are rather than simply where we are. 

Leading institutions like ours create strong, recognizable brands by establishing a clear anchor brand, from which all else builds. 

This isn't about replacing the unique identities of our schools and programs. It's about reinforcing them through a unified anchor brand ‒ CU Anschutz ‒ that elevates every part of our campus

You can hear more about the “why” behind this initiative in the video below.

What’s Next
We’re taking a phased approach, beginning this fall with the School of Medicine in partnership with Dean John Sampson and the school’s communications team. In early 2026, we’ll expand to our other academic operations, followed by a strategic rollout across the rest of campus.

While one-on-one support will follow the rollout schedule, all units are encouraged to begin using the new brand guidelines now. Visit the brand website for tools, templates and guidance to help you get started. 

Thank you for your partnership as we take this important step forward to elevate CU Anschutz everywhere.

Sincerely,

Don Elliman
Chancellor