Iowa College Foundation Unveils a New Brand Identity Built for Iowa’s Future

After more than 70 years of championing independent higher education in Iowa, the Iowa College Foundation (ICF) has refreshed its identity to better reflect who we are today and the future we are actively building for Iowa’s students, institutions, and communities. 

This is more than a visual update. It is a statement of purpose, momentum, and pride in the transformative work happening every day across Iowa’s independent colleges and universities.

Iowa’s students, workforce, and communities are evolving — and so are we. 

Our previous brand no longer fully captured the energy, collaboration, and forward momentum driving ICF’s mission. 

The new identity is modern and hopeful, while remaining deeply rooted in Iowa values. It reflects the organization we have become and the expanding impact we are committed to delivering for students and institutions across the state.

At the heart of our new brand is a bold, modern “I” for Iowa, formed by four vertical pillars that come together as one strong, unified structure. Each pillar represents a core value driving our mission: 

Opportunity – opening doors for students of all backgrounds

Connectivity – linking students, colleges, donors, and communities

Collaboration – the partnerships that fuel success and innovation

Momentum – the forward progress shaping Iowa’s future.

Crowning the “I” is a graduation cap, symbolizing the student achievement and successful outcomes at our member colleges and universities. This element reminds us that everything we do ultimately supports students earning their degree and building a bright future in Iowa.

This design beautifully symbolizes how these elements work together to create strength and stability for Iowa’s independent colleges and the students they serve.

Paired with our new tagline — Where the Future of Iowa Belongs — the logo captures the transformative power of independent higher education and the vital role Iowa’s private colleges play in shaping the state’s leaders, innovators, and workforce. It reflects a belief we have held for over seven decades: that Iowa’s future is built one student at a time, on the campuses of independent colleges and universities across the state.

“As President of the Iowa College Foundation, I’m proud to introduce this new brand,” said Tara K. Connolly. “Our member colleges are preparing Iowa’s next generation of healthcare professionals, teachers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This refreshed identity helps us tell that important story more clearly and effectively.”

Each year, ICF member institutions educate more than 32,000 students and draw talent from across the nation and world to Iowa communities. By removing financial barriers, we help more students access life-changing education and strengthen Iowa’s economy in the process.

This rebrand was developed with Strategic America and informed by input from our member colleges, leadership, donors, and Iowa stakeholders. It reflects our shared vision for the future.

You’ll see the updated look across our website, communications, and materials moving forward. We’ve also enhanced our storytelling to highlight student success, our donors, and statewide impact.

Explore our updated brand identity and new website, then learn more about ICF’s scholarship programs for Iowa students.