Grand Connections Debuts Fresh Look, Feature-Oriented Content

Saint Louis University faculty and staff members may do a double take when they notice the new issue of Grand Connections on news stands this week.

This fall, GC received an extreme visual makeover by SLU graphic designer Jamie McClelland and a content overhaul by editor of internal communications Allison Babka Burney. Based on valuable faculty and staff feedback from last year’s online survey about GC and SLU Newslink, GC now is packed with photos and boasts more original feature stories.

Included in the Fall I issue are stories about a cochlear implant for a toddler, the executive staff's visit to SLU's Madrid campus, preparations for the men's soccer College Cup, teaching tips and much more.

Readers will notice that large colored blocks draw their eyes toward featured information, while a new typeface for the flag (the top of the newspaper containing the name Grand Connections) and headlines gives the publication a more modern look. This was the first design change for the newspaper since the mid-1990s.

McClelland

Babka Burney

There are also new regular elements. Initially introduced in the summer issue, an original recipe from Fresh Gatherings manager Eddie Neill now is available in the “Fresh Recipe” section of each issue. This month, readers can learn how to make a tasty curried lentil salad. In addition, the all-new “Department Corner” features SLU employees whose names readers might not know, but who help ensure the University runs smoothly everyday. The current issue focuses on the grounds crew, which maintains SLU’s beautiful campus.

Moreover, we’re giving credit where it’s due. Brand-new stories written exclusively for GC now have bylines, and e-mail addresses are provided so that readers can offer feedback directly to authors. Adding more in-depth features about health, sports, mission and personalities at SLU, the GC staff hopes to foster more interaction between writers and readers.

Not everything has changed, however. Grand Connections still includes readers' favorite sections, such as "Inquiring Photographer," "Employee Spotlight," "Professional Notes" and "Top 10."

GC now will be published six times per year so that the staff can bring readers longer, more interesting features. The next issue will be on the stands in November. Submissions are due Friday, Sept. 29.

To read GC online, review a publication schedule and learn important information about submitting professional notes and story ideas, visit www.slu.edu/pr/grand_connections.html.

Let us know what you think about the new look and content. E-mail us at gc@slu.edu.

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