Empowering Military-Connected Spartans Through Unified Branding
Michigan State University - Student Veterans Resource Center
Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) at Michigan State University is a centralized support and empowerment hub for over 2,500 military-connected Spartans—including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and dependents. Founded in 2015 and expanded in 2021, the center offers academic, career, financial, and wellness services while cultivating community, leadership, and personal growth within MSU's campus culture.
The Challenge
Despite serving a large population of military-connected students, the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) at Michigan State University struggled with limited brand visibility, inconsistent messaging, and underutilized support services. Many students didn’t realize the center existed or fully understand the breadth of what it offered. Additionally, the center’s peer support model lacked structure and recognition across campus.
The Solution
Cazdin Creative stepped in through embedded leadership, with our founder serving as the center’s Social Media & Communications Manager and Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) Team Leader. We led a full-scale refresh of SVRC’s communication strategy, from content planning to visual identity, using Canva Pro, YouTube, D2L, Kaltura, and other digital platforms to create branded content that resonated with student veterans. We streamlined SVRC's messaging across social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter), developed internal and external communications for events and campaigns, and coordinated community-building experiences including virtual and in-person career fairs. Through PAVE, we restructured the peer support model, managing a team of advisors who offered high-touch outreach to over 180 first-year veterans.
The Results
Following the brand launch, SVRC saw an increase in new student registrations and a major boost in service utilization. Campus awareness of the center improved dramatically, with student surveys showing a significant increase in recognition compared to surveys previously. The unified branding helped secure additional university funding and attracted new corporate partnerships. Most importantly, the center reported stronger community engagement and increased student retention rates among military-connected Spartans.
Deliverables
- •Strategic content and communications plan
- •Daily social media management and branded post creation
- •Design and production of digital and print assets (flyers, apparel, signage)
- •Peer support leadership and team training (PAVE program)
- •Educational content creation (D2L, Kaltura, Qualtrics)
Project Gallery
Cass brought something really special to the SVRC – she understood our students because she was one of them. As both a Marine and a Spartan, she led with heart, clarity, and purpose. Her impact on our outreach, peer support, and student engagement was felt across campus. I was proud to nominate her for a national PAVE leadership award and even prouder when she won.
Comprehensive Support Services
Academic Support
- • Tutoring and study groups
- • Academic advising and planning
- • Priority registration assistance
- • Disability accommodations coordination
Career Development
- • Resume and interview preparation
- • Networking events and job fairs
- • Internship and job placement
- • Professional development workshops
Financial Assistance
- • GI Bill and VA benefits guidance
- • Emergency financial assistance
- • Scholarship opportunities
- • Financial literacy education
Wellness & Community
- • Mental health and counseling services
- • Peer support groups and mentoring
- • Social events and community building
- • Leadership development programs
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