Nestled in the mountains of Hanover, New Hampshire sits the prestigious Dartmouth College, a top tier Ivy League institution priding itself on not only its commitment to academic excellence, but also love for the nature surrounding it. Evidenced by the image of a pine tree in its green school logo, environmental studies are fundamental to Dartmouth's academic programs, making sustainability an inherent part of its brand message.

By intertwining the pursuit of knowledge with environmental stewardship, Dartmouth College cultivates a culture that values both academic growth and sustainable practices.

Dartmouth College understands the significance of visual representation in shaping its brand identity, going beyond traditional marketing materials to create immersive experiences for its audience. For example, One Perfect Day, a campus tour brochure, offers more than just directions—it provides details about the surrounding area, including nature spots and local attractions, personalizing the college experience for prospective students and visitors. Humans of Hanover, a mailed piece, includes engaging photography featuring the relationships between students and faculty, fostering a sense of community. Together We Can, another mailer, shares how a diverse range of students, faculty, and staff members find belonging and community at Dartmouth.

To deliver on the visual representations that embody the Dartmouth experience and its core values, the College recognized the importance of investing in high-quality printed materials. This is why Dartmouth forged a partnership with Hecht/Horton Partners, a renowned design firm with over 50 years of experience in creating exceptional branding campaigns.

Having worked with other prestigious institutions like Boston University, Harvard University, MIT, and Wellesley College to name a few, Hecht/Horton is known for its commitment to design excellence. By collaborating with Hecht/Horton, Dartmouth ensures that its print materials reflect its dedication to quality and sustainability, cementing its brand as stewards of higher academia and environmentalism.

Hecht/Horton plays a crucial role in shaping Dartmouth's visual identity with the support of Puritan Press, one of the nation’s leading fine art and photography printers with over 75 years of experience in printing books and catalogs for art museums and academic institutions. Well known in academic circles throughout the northeast, Puritan has become synonymous with high-end quality while following eco-forward printing practices.

According to David Horton, President and Creative Director of Hecht/Horton, “It makes no sense to spend a ton of money on high-end photography and then print it on low-quality paper. It’s one of the reasons we love working with Puritan – they’re a customer-centric, boutique business like us who prioritizes sustainability and understands the role that quality paper plays in a company’s brand image.”

For over 75 years, Puritan has partnered with Monadnock Paper Mills, a New Hampshire-based family business boasting over 200 years of continuous operation – the longest in the country. This long-standing partnership not only strengthens its unwavering commitment to quality but also reinforces their shared value of environmental stewardship.

MPM’s Astrolite PC100 has emerged as the optimal choice for Dartmouth’s engaging print materials. The high-quality, uncoated, recycled paper is crafted from premium, smooth, bright white fibers derived entirely from post-consumer waste. The superior formation and uniformity results in stunning full-color photographic reproduction, making it an ideal surface for Hecht/Horton’s professional grade photographs.

Additionally, Puritan utilizes inks with extremely low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and free from petroleum-derived ink solvents. Their commitment to quality extends to their exclusive possession of the Indigo 12000 digital press, the only one in New England with a high definition writing head; allowing Puritan to print at the same line screen regardless if printing conventional offset or digitally.

Dartmouth College and Monadnock share a common goal of preserving the environment, as both entities are situated in the heart of the Northeast, surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. By collaborating with Monadnock, Hecht/Horton reaffirms its dedication to sustainability and supports responsible sourcing and production of its print materials.

Through a collective love for the environment and artistic expression, Puritan Press, Hecht/Horton, and Monadnock unite to amplify Dartmouth's brand message. From Puritan’s printing craftsmanship to Hecht/Horton's exceptional design expertise and Monadnock’s sustainable paper choices, this powerful alliance results in visually stunning and environmentally conscious print materials that authentically represent Dartmouth's brand of academic excellence and environmental stewardship.