The University at Buffalo wanted to formally welcome and recognize faculty and staff who agreed to serve as ambassadors for the university’s True Blue initiative. As part of this internal pride-building effort, UB aimed to create an experience that would generate excitement, reinforce a sense of belonging, and motivate early participation — while clearly signaling appreciation for the additional time and effort ambassadors contribute beyond their day-to-day roles.
The ambassador program supports the broader True Blue initiative, an ongoing internal communications effort focused on connecting students, faculty, staff, and alumni; encouraging pride and participation; and strengthening engagement across the UB community.
Solution
UB created True Blue ambassador boxes as a thank-you and incentive gift for new ambassadors. The boxes were curated with items selected for their usefulness, broad appeal, and ability to showcase UB pride, whether worn, displayed, or used in daily routines.
Item selection was guided by several practical considerations, including storage, fulfillment, hand delivery, trademark clarity, and budget. UB evaluated merchandise already used across campus, reviewed new products encountered at conferences and trade shows, and ensured consistency with existing collectible items associated with its True Blue initiative. The university worked with internal creative partners to determine colors, concepts, and production methods, and collaborated with other campus units, including athletics, to include elements such as game day tickets and a flag.
Several branded components in the boxes (sticker sheets, round stickers, zipper pulls, and tissue paper) were sourced through Magellan and used alongside other UB-selected merchandise. The box itself was custom-printed with UB’s mascot, Little Victor, and messaging to reinforce the True Blue identity.
Outcome
The ambassador boxes created an immediate sense of recognition and excitement among participants. Recipients were welcomed by Little Victor and introduced to their ambassador role in a tangible way. The boxes served as a visible symbol of appreciation and helped establish a strong first connection to the program.
Early feedback showed that ambassadors felt proud to be part of a larger initiative, with some adopting the ambassador title in email signatures and social media profiles. The boxes supported the program’s goals of increasing pride, encouraging engagement, building community, and creating memorable moments tied to UB’s True Blue initiative.
