Founders Hall Unveils New Logo and Brand Refresh

Founders Hall Unveils New Logo and Brand Refresh Inspired by Its Vibrant 60+ Community Redefining What It Means to Age with Purpose, Passion, and Connection

Founders Hall, Ridgefield’s vibrant educational campus for adults age 60 and over, is proud to announce the launch of its refreshed brand identity. The update includes a new logo, tagline, website, and messaging that reflect the warmth, curiosity, and connection that define life on campus.

This thoughtful brand evolution was led by Communications Manager Jessica Mancini, who joined Founders Hall just nine months ago on August 5, 2024. New to the organization but deeply inspired by its spirit, Mancini spent months gathering feedback from members, instructors, and supporters. The goal? To create a brand that better expresses what Founders Hall has become: a place brimming with possibility, joy, and intellectual engagement.

“Time and time again, we heard from members that they couldn’t quite explain Founders Hall to their family or friends—and that the term ‘senior center’ simply didn’t fit,” said Mancini. “We knew it was time for the brand to evolve in a way that celebrates everything this community is: vibrant, curious, welcoming, and deeply engaged.”

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The new logo retains Founders Hall’s signature gold and classic serif font, nodding to the organization’s heritage and founding families. But it introduces a bold, four-part tagline that captures the core experience of being a member:

Learn. Live Well. Create. Connect.

These four pillars are reflected in the updated positioning statement, which now anchors all messaging:

Founders Hall is a vibrant educational campus where adults 60+ explore academic pursuits, wellness programs, artistic expression, and meaningful connections.

This comprehensive refresh includes:

  • A modernized logo that bridges tradition and vitality
  • A reimagined core marketing piece that tells the authentic Founders Hall story
  • A redesigned website that is accessible, intuitive, and dynamic

Designed by and for the Community

To bring the vision to life, Founders Hall partnered with local creative professionals who deeply understood its mission and culture:

  • Marge Heminway of Maida:Design, who led the logo and graphic design
  • Ben Sulzinsky, who provided web development and backend support
  • Kate Wark Photography, whose images authentically capture the joy and energy of campus life

Longtime member, Ron Shirk, a retired professional writer, described the new materials as “exquisite” and said they “truly capture who we are at Founders Hall.”

More Than a Senior Center—A Movement

While the term "senior center" may conjure outdated assumptions, Founders Hall breaks the mold. Members dive into classes on language, technology, literature, fitness, painting, writing, bridge, and more—all in a setting that feels more like a college campus than a traditional senior center.

“Many new members say, ‘Why did I wait so long?’ after stepping through our doors and experiencing the energy and exceptional programming,” said Mancini. “We hope this new brand identity encourages more people to come see for themselves what makes Founders Hall so special.”

Why Now? The Need Has Never Been Greater

The refresh arrives at a critical moment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, 1 in every 5 Americans will be 65 or older. In Connecticut alone, nearly one in five residents is already over the age of 60. By 2034, for the first time in U.S. history, older adults will outnumber children.

This growing demographic deserves more than outdated notions of aging—they deserve spaces that are engaging, empowering, and aligned with how today’s older adults want to live. Founders Hall is leading the way.

A Call to the Community

Founders Hall is a private, donor-supported nonprofit organization. The success of its programs and growth is made possible through the generosity of community members who believe in its mission.

We invite you to:

Explore the new website and discover upcoming classes and events

Attend one of our public seminars or performances, which are open to all

Visit Founders Hall and experience the energy first-hand

Support our mission through a donation or by sharing our story

“As soon as you turn 60, you should run to Founders Hall—and if your partner is 60 and a member, you can join too, no matter your age!”

Learn more https://www.founders-hall.org/

J
Submitted by Jessica Mancini

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