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Villanova University Selects Neiman as Communications Partner

PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 5, 2010) — Villanova University has selected Neiman to help the university more effectively communicate the school's powerful story to students, faculty, employers, alumni and donors. The development of 'The Villanova Story' is part of an on-going effort to raise Villanova's profile.

A premier institution of higher education, Villanova provides a comprehensive education rooted in the liberal arts; a shared commitment to the Augustinian ideals of truth, unity and love; and a community dedicated to service to others. With a total enrollment that surpasses 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students, Villanova is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A meaningful distillation of what Villanova truly represents, the 'Villanova Story' will leverage the university's many strengths to help communicate its distinctive place among top-tier universities.

"We know from our own experiences and the interaction we have with students, faculty, alumni and others every day that Villanova is a special place that changes lives. We now need a succinct way to articulate that," said Ann Diebold, Villanova's Vice President of University Communication. "Neiman impressed us with its strategic approach to branding and proven record of successes, which is why we've selected them for this important work."

Neiman was chosen following an extensive national review. The firm will work closely with the University over the next 12 months to refine the Villanova brand strategy, create Villanova's brand positioning, and formulate specific plans for Villanova's brand delivery.

"This is not about coming up with a clever tagline," said Tim Reeves, CEO of Neiman. "Rather, our work will encompass a rigorous research process to help us to ascertain what elements of the true Villanova will be most compelling and effective with key target audiences. We need to make purposeful research-based judgments about what elements of the existing identity to emphasize — and then reinforce those elements with singular focus in all communications."

Villanova University, a co-educational Roman Catholic institution, was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. A wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered through the University's four colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering and the College of Nursing, as well as the Villanova University School of Law.