Jesuit colleges gather for marketing and communications summit in Denver

Marketing and communications professionals from Jesuit colleges and universities across the country met at Regis University June 10-12 for the annual Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Marketing and Communications Summit. Participants included Regis University, Gonzaga University, John Carroll University, Xavier University, Loyola of Maryland University, Fairfield University, Marquette University, St. Joseph’s University, Fordham University, Seattle University, Rockhurst University, Creighton University and University of San Francisco.

The three-day event brought together dozens of professionals from AJCU member institutions for presentations, workshops and networking opportunities on Regis' Denver campus.

"Hosting this year's AJCU MarCom Summit at Regis was an honor," said Cassandra Grady, assistant vice president of marketing at Regis University. "It was energizing to exchange ideas, reflect on shared challenges, and celebrate the mission-driven storytelling that unites us." 

The summit featured sessions on digital marketing, brand management, and the institutional communication challenges facing Jesuit higher education. Workshops covered SEO strategy, website governance, brand integrity versus creativity, crisis communications, accessibility compliance, and emerging content trends through small group roundtables. 

One interactive session, "Brand Health Check – How Well Do You Live Your Brand?", examined how institutions can authentically communicate their missions across all student and stakeholder touchpoints. 

A guided discussion on communicating presidential searches was also part of the agenda. 

Grady said the gathering highlighted the collaborative spirit that connects Jesuit educational institutions. 

"Gatherings like this remind us of the strength we share through community and common purpose," she said. 

The AJCU represents 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. The marketing summit rotates annually among member institutions. 

“AJCU leaders are deeply committed to communicating the Jesuit mission. With recent federal policy changes, this was a crucial moment to learn from and collaborate with one another. I’m grateful to Regis University’s outstanding team for their thoughtful programming and meaningful discussions,” said Jenny Smulson, vice president of government relations for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

Participants balanced professional development sessions with opportunities to experience Denver and Colorado’s dining and cultural offerings. The campus setting provided informal networking opportunities for formal programming.

The summit concluded with participants planning for future collaboration and implementing strategies learned during the three-day event.