The Challenge
For the University of West Florida, confirmations are more than a formality. They mark the start of a student’s journey as an Argo. The admissions team wanted to celebrate that milestone and keep excitement high through the summer, as they knew how merch can play a powerful role in achieving this goal. But there was one problem: their merch budget had already run dry. The only funds left were in the print budget, which meant any solution needed to qualify as a printed piece. The challenge was clear: how do you create something that creates a long lasting impact, within the boundaries of print?
The Solution
That’s when UWF turned to Magellan Promotions. Together, we reimagined print as a platform for merch. The answer was an iron cross mailer. These mailers ship flat, are self-mailing and when unfolded, provide a memorable experience.
Inside, students didn’t just find inspirational images and words. They found three branded merch pieces, each chosen to celebrate their new identity as an Argo:
- Vinyl luggage tag featuring a full color logo of Argie the Argonaut for their backpacks and travel gear.
- Sticker sheet, packed with UWF logos, including the fun-loving “Argodillo”, for students’ laptops, water bottles and more.
- An on-brand and trendy beaded bracelet that proudly declared “Go Argos”.
Surrounded by student-life imagery and bold messages like “Your Argo Life Has Arrived,” the mailer doubled as a roadmap for next steps: finish your checklist, get involved, and cheer on the Argos at football games.
It was cost effective, celebratory, and easy to mail. More importantly, it gave students a tangible welcome that went far beyond the expectations of a printed piece.
Executive Director Ethan Henley, UWF University Admissions, shared: “Engaging and effective print mail can be incredibly influential with new student yield. Students expect ‘swag,’ and we want to build strong affinity early in the process. Through our partnership with Magellan, we were able to create a substantive, cost-effective mailer that conveyed a unique message and gave students exciting Argo gear.”
The Outcome
The campaign reached more than 1,500 confirmed students with an experience far more memorable than a standard mailing. By stretching their print budget in this creative way, UWF elevated the deposit milestone, gave students tangible keepsakes to build affinity, and delivered a sustainable, self-mailing solution that cut down on packaging and postage costs.
This story shows how colleges can innovate when budgets are tight. By rethinking print not just as paper, but as a vehicle for merch, UWF turned a financial limitation into a moment of joy and Argonaut pride.
