What do the home page words mean?
Bold. Noble. Inquisitive. Resourceful. Intimate. Accomplished.
Where did those words on the new home page come from, and what is their significance?
The short answer is that they came from the hearts and minds of people who hold Wake Forest dear: students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, supporters, friends and fans.
The longer answer is that they evolved out of an extensive process in which the University reviewed its identity—what Wake Forest stands for as an institution, what makes it distinctive in the world of academe, and how to best communicate these values and attributes to those who love Wake Forest, as well as to those just learning about us.
Last year we went on an extended fact-finding mission, listening to constituents describe the “mystique” of this place. It was soon apparent that the “human” aspect of Wake Forest was foremost in everyone’s mind. The spirit of Pro Humanitate was reflected in the traits used to describe the University as if it were a person, with several words coming up again and again. These are what you see rotating on the new home page:
Resourceful
While its peers may have greater financial resources, Wake Forest rolls up his/her sleeves and, with a balance of imagination and practicality, finds a way to do more with less.
Inquisitive
Wake Forest is the inquisitive mind that asks meaningful questions and seeks groundbreaking solutions: “How can we realize the potential of stem cells?” “How can we better tailor education to each individual?”
Intimate
Wake Forest doesn’t see you as a number. Wake Forest knows your name works one-on-one with you.
Noble
Rather than developing oneself for personal gain, Wake Forest uses his/her gifts to better society.
Bold
Wake Forest is never a passive bystander. Adventurous, courageous, strong-willed, and confident, Wake Forest takes on new challenges.
Accomplished
Wake Forest is an accomplished individual who does good and does well.
These words will guide us as we share the stories of this great University—of those who study, teach and work here, and of those graduates who have gone out into the world.
Cherin C. Poovey (P ’08), Director of Creative Services
May 8, 2009 at 8:12 am
I’m really glad that someone finally explained where those words came from, but even with an explanation, the choice of words still doesn’t seem all that helpful. Does it make sense? Yes. I understand that in an abstract way, those words characterize the University, and that the stories above the words are also trying to characterize the University, but the connection between the words and their connected story seems to end there.
If you are trying to get someone to click on a tab to find information about Commencement, why “Accomplished” and not “Commencement”. For the “Why I Believe” story, why “Noble” and not “Why I Believe”, or even “In Their Words”, which is part of the story. The word “Noble” doesn’t give me any indication of what I’m going to find when I click the tab.
The language on each of the stories in the button like space: “Commencement”, “In Their Words”, “Joint Research”, “Eye-opening Discoveries” all seem to paint a much better picture of what can be found on that tab.
It seems to me if you want someone to click on those tabs, being a bit more forthcoming about what they will find, instead of using abstract characteristics that describe the University would be much more useful.
May 8, 2009 at 8:36 am
I wanted to reiterate what Moon said on a previous post and say “Thank you for the new website.” That being said, I wonder if just listing our characteristics in a seemingly random place on the website really helps people get a sense of who Wake Forest really is.
If someone told you that you were a humble person, would that prompt you to wear a shirt everyday that said “Look at me, I’m humble.” I think you’d be more likely to show up everyday and live your life in a way that your actions exude humbleness.
My mother once told me that “Actions speak louder than words”. Right now, it feels like the words are taking center stage, and the actions are sitting in the dressing room.
May 8, 2009 at 2:01 pm
A big ditto to what Interested Alum said. Same deal: I like the words in theory but something gets lost in the translation. It loses the real connection to what the stories are and also makes me visit the site less because while it looks “nicer” it isn’t as user friendly. Maybe this is something you’ll fix this summer?
May 12, 2009 at 9:34 am
Amen, Interested Alum @ May 8th, 2009 at 8:12 am. The design sufferes from a clash of “ideas” and “what works”. Always go with what works. While nice, those words have no place on the Web site. Maybe inside the image, but not below as tabs. The “Commencement” tab should… when clicked… yield an image with commencement information on it.
May 13, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I love the resdesign. It’s clean, easy to navigate, and it well represents a place I where I have developed meaningful relationships, both professional and personal. I know the work that went into this was a work of dedication and commitment. With our technology we are always changing and so this process must never end. But it simple, directed, and not overstated.