The Colorado State University Research Foundation (CSURF) and CSU Ventures announce our new unified brand name – CSU STRATA!

The Journey

This journey to a new name and brand has been a lengthy endeavor, started by the joining of CSU Ventures with CSURF in 2019, and expanded with a charge from the CSU System to create new foundations for innovation and to amplify the work of our colleagues, constiutents, and campuses across the CSU System.  

The team looked to our native Colorado for inspiration and meaning for a name that embraced all we have to offer and connected us to the institutions we serve.   We wanted a name that would build on our rich legacy and accomplishments of the past 81 years, while embracing our diverse offerings and maintaining momentum into the future. We then aligned our colors with the CSU System and created a new look uniting each of our services into a comprehensive whole, more clearly expressing our charter to serve the unique needs of each campus and affiliates of the CSU System.

The Unearthing of CSU STRATA

At their root, strata are layers.  Whether rock formed at the Earth’s surface, periods in time, or sections of society – strata are perceived as individual, unique layers that comprise a whole.  Consider the canyons, cliffs, and riverbanks of the majestic Rocky Mountains – beautiful colored bands of rock that feed our imagination, create the bedrock on which we build our communities, and inspire us to scale the heights.

landscape mountains

From our rural communities to urban centers, our future innovators to respected elders – the layers of age and location inform our everyday interactions and lives.

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Reflect on the past, consider the present, and plan for the future – each layer of time connects us, teaches us to be better, and frees the imagination to soar.

We created our logo to express this notion.  It conveys how every unit in CSU STRATA is unique yet united in our goal to drive the CSU System mission forward.  

Our Services and Commitment

Our commitment to support the programs, departments, and colleges to successfully fulfill their needs and missions has not changed. We continue to support the CSU System and the associated campuses with our strategic real estate services, intellectual property protection and licensing activities, and select financing opportunities.

We hope that you will join us on this journey and embrace all that we have to offer.  Together, we make the CSU System mission a reality to build a better future for all.

The Brand Roll Out

On August 1, our new website launched.  Throughout the fall, you will see new signage on our building and the road, and  our team presenting as CSU STRATA.  Rolling out the new brand is a lengthy process, and we appreciate your excitement and patience as each piece is completed.  

If you have questions or would like additional information about the brand or the roll-out, please do not hesitate to reach out to Sarah Hibbs-Shipp, our Director of Organizational Communications, or any of our team members.  We look forward to hearing from you!