Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Athletics Announces Ypsi Connect Program to Celebrate Connection with Ypsilanti Community
9/15/2024 10:30:00 AM | General
The program introduces a new alternate branding identity that celebrates EMU’s deep roots in the city of Ypsilanti
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics unveiled the Ypsi Connect program today, Sept. 12, an innovative branding initiative designed to strengthen the connection between EMU Athletics and the surrounding Ypsilanti community. The Ypsi Connect program introduces a new alternate branding identity that celebrates Eastern Michigan's rich history and deep roots in Ypsilanti.
At the heart of the Ypsi Connect program is a custom-designed "Eastern Script Font," inspired by the iconic script featured on the EMU baseball team's uniforms for decades. This unique font will be used to feature "Ypsilanti" or "Ypsi" on select EMU athletic uniforms, pre-game apparel, and competition headwear, creating a bold and distinctive representation of the university's identity as "Ypsilanti's University."
The Ypsi Connect program honors Ypsilanti's historical and cultural significance, fostering a stronger sense of community between the university, its athletic teams, and local residents. By incorporating elements of Ypsilanti's unique heritage into EMU's athletic branding, the program aims to celebrate the university's standing as a vital pillar of the Ypsilanti community.
EMU's alternate branding identity draws inspiration from Major League Baseball's City Connect initiative, which similarly highlights a city's history and culture through custom uniform designs. Ypsilanti, often affectionately referred to as "Ypsi," will take center stage in the new designs, reflecting the pride and connection students, alumni, and community members feel.
"Ypsilanti and EMU share a special bond that goes back 175 years," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "With the Ypsi Connect program, we are celebrating that connection and building an even stronger sense of community between our athletics teams and the people of Ypsilanti. We are excited to introduce this new alternate identity and showcase our pride in being a part of Ypsilanti's University."
EMU Athletics will be offering an online pop-up store that will be available soon for fans to purchase hats, polos, sweatshirts and more.
Key Program Guidelines
- Custom Script: All uniforms and apparel will feature the newly created Eastern Script Font, incorporating "Ypsilanti" or "Ypsi."
- Custom Number Font: A new number font will be used with the Eastern Script Font, adding a modern twist to the traditional EMU athletic branding.
- Limited Use: The alternate branding will be reserved for specific gameday occasions and will only be used a set number of times each season.
- Block E Presence: The Block E (script E for baseball) will be incorporated into each design, ensuring a continued connection to EMU's legacy.
- Community Engagement: The first appearance of the Ypsi Connect alternate branding will coincide with a community-focused event during a home game, such as Youth Day or Community Game, emphasizing the bond between EMU Athletics and the local Ypsilanti community.
Why "Ypsilanti"?
Named after General Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero of Greece's fight for independence in the early 19th century, Ypsilanti is a community with a unique and proud heritage. Though challenging to pronounce for some, "Ypsilanti" has become a point of pride for locals, and its shortened version, "Ypsi," is a beloved nickname used throughout the region.
The city's history stretches back thousands of years, from its early Native American inhabitants to its role as a trading post along the Potawatomi Trail. Over time, Ypsilanti has evolved from a small farming town into an industrial hub and educational center, home to Eastern Michigan University. The Ypsi Connect program honors this rich past while looking toward the future, further solidifying EMU's role as a community cornerstone.
At the heart of the Ypsi Connect program is a custom-designed "Eastern Script Font," inspired by the iconic script featured on the EMU baseball team's uniforms for decades. This unique font will be used to feature "Ypsilanti" or "Ypsi" on select EMU athletic uniforms, pre-game apparel, and competition headwear, creating a bold and distinctive representation of the university's identity as "Ypsilanti's University."
The Ypsi Connect program honors Ypsilanti's historical and cultural significance, fostering a stronger sense of community between the university, its athletic teams, and local residents. By incorporating elements of Ypsilanti's unique heritage into EMU's athletic branding, the program aims to celebrate the university's standing as a vital pillar of the Ypsilanti community.
EMU's alternate branding identity draws inspiration from Major League Baseball's City Connect initiative, which similarly highlights a city's history and culture through custom uniform designs. Ypsilanti, often affectionately referred to as "Ypsi," will take center stage in the new designs, reflecting the pride and connection students, alumni, and community members feel.
"Ypsilanti and EMU share a special bond that goes back 175 years," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "With the Ypsi Connect program, we are celebrating that connection and building an even stronger sense of community between our athletics teams and the people of Ypsilanti. We are excited to introduce this new alternate identity and showcase our pride in being a part of Ypsilanti's University."
EMU Athletics will be offering an online pop-up store that will be available soon for fans to purchase hats, polos, sweatshirts and more.
Key Program Guidelines
- Custom Script: All uniforms and apparel will feature the newly created Eastern Script Font, incorporating "Ypsilanti" or "Ypsi."
- Custom Number Font: A new number font will be used with the Eastern Script Font, adding a modern twist to the traditional EMU athletic branding.
- Limited Use: The alternate branding will be reserved for specific gameday occasions and will only be used a set number of times each season.
- Block E Presence: The Block E (script E for baseball) will be incorporated into each design, ensuring a continued connection to EMU's legacy.
- Community Engagement: The first appearance of the Ypsi Connect alternate branding will coincide with a community-focused event during a home game, such as Youth Day or Community Game, emphasizing the bond between EMU Athletics and the local Ypsilanti community.
Why "Ypsilanti"?
Named after General Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero of Greece's fight for independence in the early 19th century, Ypsilanti is a community with a unique and proud heritage. Though challenging to pronounce for some, "Ypsilanti" has become a point of pride for locals, and its shortened version, "Ypsi," is a beloved nickname used throughout the region.
The city's history stretches back thousands of years, from its early Native American inhabitants to its role as a trading post along the Potawatomi Trail. Over time, Ypsilanti has evolved from a small farming town into an industrial hub and educational center, home to Eastern Michigan University. The Ypsi Connect program honors this rich past while looking toward the future, further solidifying EMU's role as a community cornerstone.
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