The Hillary Rodham Clinton Chair in Women’s History

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford development office asked me to design a 12-page brochure about The Hillary Rodham Clinton Chair in Women’s History and the history of women at the University. We collaborated and problem-solved the marketing and design of this direct mail campaign. They are a great client because they really embrace design thinking, which allows us to be brand-builders and storytellers.

This piece of print collateral needed to make a strong and striking impression. After a discovery discussion based on end-user experience, I designed two brochures that would resonate with the target audience, conveying the right message, solve the problem of conveying two messages and staying on brand with the University of Oxford.

Once the print materials were set, we designed a landing page to sit on the University of Oxfords’ website for the HRC Chair. Visit site.

“Nancy Ruzow is more than a designer; she is an amazing storyteller! In October 2020, the University of Oxford will mark the centenary of the admission of women. With the anniversary, we hope not only to celebrate women, but also to elevate women. We launched a fundraising campaign to create the “Hillary Rodham Clinton Chair in Women’s History,” the first of its kind in the world. Secretary Clinton and Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor would be personally engaged in the effort. We needed a sophisticated print piece—something to help us convey not only the history of women at Oxford, but also our plans for the new “statutory chair.” When we presented our very rough content, Nancy immediately saw the narrative structure that had eluded us. She helped us restructure our thinking, recommending not one, but two print pieces. Each would stand on its own, but when nested together, they would provide a compelling value proposition. We sought to raise $5 million to endow the Chair, and in less than six months, raised $6 million from 60 donors. Two separate $1 million gifts were directly inspired by Nancy’s amazing work with one of those donors specifically mentioning how the print piece prompted her to give at a much higher level than she might otherwise have considered. I have often heard colleagues say, “People don’t give to brochures.” Their brochures were not designed by Nancy Ruzow.”

— Michael Cooper, Associate Vice President, University of Oxford

How We Helped / Services

Creative Approach
Design Thinking
Graphic Design
Art Direction
Brochure Design
Print Management