People and Community University

‘Brighter Shades’ to dazzle, empower students

The Division of Development and Alumni Relations partnered with Orange Umbrella at the School of Communication to launch a social campaign that features eight unique sunglass case designs. Proceeds will benefit students facing financial hardships.
Graphic image showing multiple sunglass case designs for the "Ever Brighter" campaign
Eight unique sunglass hard case designs feature a student-designer’s interpretation of the term “Ever Brighter."

For nearly a century, our students have made the University of Miami shine ever brighter. Now, as we approach our centennial, the Division of Development and Alumni Relations has launched “Brighter Shades,” a unique social campaign to share that light with our ’Canes family around the world. It features designs by students and proceeds will benefit students.

In partnership with graphic designers from the School of Communication’s Orange Umbrella—the nation’s only full-service, student-run communication consultancy—the Brighter Shades campaign features eight unique sunglass hard case designs, each a student-designer’s interpretation of the term “Ever Brighter.” The custom designs feature elements of the University, including the Medical and Marine campuses, the iconic split U, the Miami sun (it’s always bright at the U), and Sebastian the Ibis.

“Our designers pulled inspiration from University archives, our mascot, Sebastian, and art trends in the world today,” said junior Alexandra Lieber, project manager for Orange Umbrella on the Brighter Shades campaign. “It’s so rewarding to know that this project is helping give back to my fellow ’Canes. This was such a great experience for our team and designers because at the end of the day, so many people in the UM family will benefit from the final outcome.”

These designs are now featured on the alumni social channels, with voting now open for ’Canes to select their favorites. Voting will occur in two rounds during August, with the winning case announced on August 20. Once the winner is selected, the case and a pair of sleek Ever Brighter-branded sunglasses will be made available to all members of the ’Canes community. Those who wish to support the Brighter Shades campaign by donating $30 or more can add the swag to their collection.

Donations will support The Patricia A. Whitely Emergency Assistance Fund, which benefits student ’Canes experiencing sudden financial hardships because of adverse changes in family finances, the death of a parent, severe illness, injury, or other emergencies.  

The first round of voting on Brighter Shades is open now, so pick your favorite! Then, don’t forget to share the campaign with your friends, family, and colleagues.

All About the U design
All About the U
Sebastian Thru The Years
Sebastian Thru The Years
Got Stickers?
Got Stickers?
Tough Guy Sebastian
Tough Guy Sebastian
Ever Brighter
Ever Brighter
Shades of Miami
Shades of Miami
Doodles for Days
Doodles for Days
Let's Throw It Back
Let's Throw It Back

For other ways to engage, follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to read about each case and how each design showcases what it means to live ever brighter at the U.