Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIVERSITÉ DE SAINT-BONIFACE LAUNCHES THE NEW UNIVERCITÉ DISTRICT AS FALL TERM BEGINS

Winnipeg, September 4, 2012 One year after acquiring its new official status, Université de Saint-Boniface is again starting off the academic year with éclat by establishing the UniverCITÉ district, to be marked by banners bearing the institution's new logo.

A sense of community is in the air as students return to campus this fall. The streets surrounding the USB campus will now delineate a zone designated as UniverCITÉ, a new vision for the neighbourhood that displays its great pride as the home of Université de Saint-Boniface. Over 75 colourful banners will hang on Provencher Boulevard, Aulneau and Despins Streets and Taché and De la Cathédrale Avenues, signalling to passers-by that they are in the heart of the university district.

"Beginning today, USB'S new image will be visible out onto the surrounding streets, explains Raymonde Gagné, USB President. With this series of banners, USB hopes to add colour to the neighbourhood and provide a visual reminder of its close ties to the francophone community."

Ceremonial Unveiling

The streetscaping project, which will be installed throughout the month of September, was unveiled today (September 4) on the north grounds of USB in the presence of numerous dignitaries. These included Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, who spoke to the assembled crowd; Shelly Glover, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface; and Dan Vandal, City of Winnipeg Councillor for St. Boniface. Councillor Vandal unveiled the municipal signage that is to be posted on Taché Ave. and Provencher Blvd. to direct visitors towards USB. The ceremony was only one part of the scheduled celebrations which lasted until 10:00 pm for the opening of the fall session.

Permanent Signage

A new permanent structure, at the corner of Aulneau St. and De la Cathédrale Ave., in the very heart of UniverCITÉ, now displays the inspiring new logo, revealed along with the banners. Two similar signs will be erected in September at the entrance to the USB parking lot and in front of the student residence at the corner of Aulneau and Despins streets.

Stunning Logo

The launch of UniverCITÉ coincided with the launch of USB brand, which will displayed on all these new graphics. Along with its new name, USB has adopted a colourful modern logo featuring a half cupola and six interlaced lines, enclosed in a shield shape that evokes the institution's official coat of arms. The President continued, "The new logo is stunningly beautiful, vivid and poetic. It is an ingenious marriage of tradition and innovation, learning and fulfilment, diversity and francophone culture. The slogan 'Une éducation supérieure depuis 1818' (Higher education since 1818) carries connotations of knowledge, history and excellence."

Government Commitment

In her speech, the President expressed thanks to all three levels of government, who have each contributed directly to recent advances at USB. The provincial government initiated the change of status in 2011 and supported the logistics of the name and image change. The federal government added a contribution of $200 000. At the municipal level, Dan Vandal was instrumental in the success of the UniverCITÉ streetscaping project, by promoting the banner and signage project at City Hall and with community partners.

A Week of Festivities

A whole week of celebrations is scheduled to mark this historic turning point for USB, its new image and UniverCITÉ. So let's all celebrate!

Ms. Gagné concluded, "Students, staff and the entire community stand to benefit from this renewed identity. And with all the excitement, we should have a fantastic year, for the students, for recruitment and for fundraising as well."

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For further information, please contact:

Monique LaCoste Interim Director, Development Office Université de Saint-Boniface 204-291-2940 [email protected]