¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥

By Andrea Gunn, Manager, Alumni Marketing and Communications

The Queen’s Alumni Review (QAR), a Queen’s publication since 1927, debuts an updated design with its spring issue. The magazine’s new look was created to reflect both the changing demographics of its readership and the Queen’s brand.

The quarterly magazine, which has a circulation of more than 120,000, has a balance of campus and alumni news. Its audience comprises primarily Queen’s alumni, with a small but growing campus readership. A 2011 readership survey conducted by Nanos Research found that 80 per cent of QAR alumni readers chose the magazine as their primary source of news about Queen’s, their professors and classmates. That figure rises to 95 per cent for readers aged 45 and older.

“We wanted to refresh the look and focus of the magazine, while still honouring the tradition of the magazine and keeping the content that our alumni look for in the Review. We know that the magazine is a key piece for us in terms of informing and engaging with our alumni,” says Michael Fraser, Chief Communications Officer.

“A number of graduates were consulted before moving ahead with the new design. They gave us some very helpful information on the types of stories, as well as their presentation, that appealed to them as readers,” adds Helena Debnam, Executive Director, University Marketing.

The combination of bolder headlines, crisper fonts, more white space and a careful balance of text and graphics on the page contribute to the improved readability of the magazine. Larry Harris, longtime senior graphic designer with University Marketing, created the updated design.

Plans are in the works for further refinements, including expanded content in the to complement the print version.

The spring issue of the Queen’s Alumni Review hits magazine stands across campus and alumni mailboxes around the world on the week of May 19. Feedback on the new design is welcome: review@queensu.ca.