A Graphic Description of the Inauguration of Peter F. Dorman

The Inauguration website homepage

To the backdrop of an emerging AUB seal, College Hall and the lush green campus define the design chosen to reflect the theme of the forthcoming inauguration of AUB’s fifteenth president, Peter F. Dorman: “Toward an Abundant Life.” The dominant hue is a red burgundy—the University’s choice of color for formal occasions.

Variations of the above design elements are featured on the inauguration website, save-the-date cards, inaugural announcement posters, invitation cards, inauguration banners, and various other inaugural publications.

Launched in March 2009, the inauguration website acts as an up-to-date reference for the inauguration events. Not only does it contain a biography of Peter F. Dorman, it details the program of the inaugural weekend, the program of inauguration month, logistics for those who wish to attend the celebrations, and it contains an interactive RSVP on-line form. Developed by Nada Sbaiti, the university web master, the website adopts the key inauguration design elements created by Najib Attieh, graphic design manager at the Office of Communications.

Describing the graphic concept of the inauguration theme, Attieh said, “’Toward an abundant life’ reflects a new era; as a result, we tried to illustrate this graphically by stylizing the landscape with its abundant greenery. AUB is one of a few green areas in Beirut; we also tried to highlight this aspect of campus. As for College Hall, it is after all the main administrative center of the University, and it has been an iconic image representing AUB, and we situated it under the rising AUB seal, which simulates a rising sun and dawn. Having it there makes the seal a prominent visual identity which ties [together] the whole collection of inaugural publications.”

“The use of the font is as official as it gets and is very formal. The overriding burgundy red is the color we use for official publications and the color we like to assign for formal occasions. All the other pieces [for the] inauguration use variations of the same elements,” Attieh added.

“The inauguration packet designed by the Office of Communications includes memorabilia for special guests, an invitation pack including three inserts with two versions for North America and Outside North America, three posters, various banners to be distributed on campus, the inauguration website, inauguration booklet, campus map, a faculty symposium booklet, and save-the-date cards,” said Omar Odeh, assistant vice president for Communications, who is also a member of the Inauguration Steering Committee and a member of the print and publicity subcommittee which works closely with the distribution committee.

Inauguration posters have been distributed to all departments on campus and posted in various outdoor and indoor spaces. The AUB campus will slowly take on the inauguration feel to celebrate its new president, Peter F. Dorman.