Lilly Scholars Network
Overview
Investing in the best and brightest individuals with opportunities for education and growth is a smart move for any company. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program does just that for the state of Indiana by offering Indiana students the opportunity to attend one of the state’s higher education institutions and, ultimately, pursue careers in Indiana. With more than 4,700 recipients since 1998, Lilly Scholars form a unique group of motivated, lifelong learners and engaged community members.
The Challenge
The Lilly Scholars Network started with a small cohort of grateful Lilly Scholars who wanted to give back and stay connected after graduating. From this small group came the network, and it grew organically, spreading to chapters at different schools in Indiana.
As it grew, it became apparent that the Lilly Scholars Network needed partners to bring stakeholders together, develop programming, and build consensus. Enter Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities, brought in to develop and drive the future of the program. The network also needed a partner to help develop brand elements that aligned with the Lilly Endowment while positioning The Lilly Scholars Network as a unique organization—enter SmallBox.
The Solution
The ultimate goal was to inspire, educate, and mobilize scholars to create change in Indiana while broadening awareness among academic, community, and business leaders. Our first step was to listen. Based on insights from conversations and creative exercises, we collectively evaluated the Lilly Scholars Network name and mission, determining the exact elements to be updated. Next, we developed a purpose statement to guide all of our work. With collaboration being of the utmost importance, we socialized the draft purpose statement throughout the organization, collecting feedback, checking for resonance, and ensuring excitement about our direction.
The next step in reimagining the brand was incorporating past foundational elements into a new visual identity. Working with a core team of Lilly Scholars alumni and representatives from ICI and Indiana Humanities, we created two strong visual identity options. Each identity was taken before the greater Lilly Scholars Network and evolved based on their feedback. Then, the identity options were presented to The Lilly Endowment for final selection, alongside our recommendations to ensure one cohesive overall brand while also highlighting its unique entities.
The Lilly Scholars Network name, mission, logo, tagline, and visual systems were wholeheartedly approved by all parties. From there, we created a rollout strategy, bringing the brand to life through newly redesigned brand touchpoints and collateral, including website, stationery, newsletter templates, social media assets, and swag. As Lilly Scholars grew up, so too did the brand of the Lilly Scholars Network. SmallBox is proud to be a part of the journey.
We love the new logo, all of the little touches in the brand identity, and how fresh and flexible it feels. We know that this full rebrand will help us to mobilize a passionate group of Lilly Scholars while elevating the reputation of the program overall.
- KRISTEN GUHS WELLS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR INDIANA HUMANITIES