Newsletters, Publications & Reports
Print: Publications // Posters
U-M Department of English Alumni Newsletter—2000-2006
The University of Michigan Department of English Alumni Newsletter is an annual publication distributed to 18,000 alumni, donors, and friends of the department. Content ranges from year to year, however, its aim is to inform its readers on the current state of the department, the study of English Language and Literature, accomplishments of faculty and students, and—perhaps most importantly—areas of financial need. This is the primary outreach piece for the department each year.
The Evolution:
Prior to 2000 the department produced an 8-page newsletter printed in two spot-inks on an off-white parchment paper. The paper choice was expensive but read flat and boring, and the color was limited only to article titles and an occasional image. Not very engaging, and certainly not representative of one of the top English programs in the nation. Upon assuming responsibility for the newsletter, Anthony immediately started looking for ways to make improvements. With a constant eye towards budgetary constraints, that first year featured a shift to the use of a stock gloss paper, expanded graphic content, and a more complete use of the two spot-inks available—all at the same cost as previous editions. Based on a favorable response, the next year full-bleed layouts were introduced and in the next was the first use of a mix of 2/2 spot color and 4/4 process color spreads. In 2004 the content was expanded to 12 pages and then 16 in 2005. Although these changes did result in increases in production costs, each year these costs were more than recouped through increases in alumni donations and program awareness. Not to be overlooked, as the primary outreach piece for the department each year, the newsletter serves as a very public "face" for the program, and by 2005 the newsletter was finally maturing to a level of quality more truly representative of its status as one of the top English programs in the nation.
The Project:
Working with a faculty editor and the Department Chair, Anthony is responsible for all content, design and the publication of the newsletter. Duties include print vendor selection; proofing and minor editing of copy; collection and retouching of images; production of original photographs, graphics, and illustrations when necessary; layout; and pre-press preparation.