KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Western Michigan University has been rolling out its new simplified branding. It’s a logo with a gold “W” in a brown circle and some, well, simply hate it.
John Blackmore says his group of alums have started a petition to change it back. He told trustees this week the university should have asked for opinions from the university community first…
“There’s been no big announcement. No hype. Even the YouTube video explaining the changes is unlisted making it hidden from the university’s public YouTube channel. Most Broncos don’t even know this is happening.”
He calls the new logo “ugly” and “uninspiring”.
“Common feedback from our petition says that it’s become tough to feel pride in being affiliated with Western Michigan University with this new look. And that’s a horrible thing to hear.”
The V.P. for Marketing at W.M.U., Tony Proudfoot, says logos evolve and it was time for theirs to evolve again. Blackmore asked trustees to put the brakes on the rollout, but they took no action on his request.
Mr. Proudfoot, have you heard of “Sparty”? How about “ fire up Chips”? I guess we must now say “it’s a great day to be a yellow “W”.