For its February 2026 donor retention campaign, KU Endowment, the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas, reminded supporters of everything they love about KU by sharing a little bit of love in a way anyone can relate to: a valentine. Designed to engage donors who had not yet made a gift during the fiscal year, the campaign encouraged renewed support through a heartfelt message of appreciation.
At a time when AI-generated visuals are becoming increasingly common, the creative team took an intentionally hands-on approach, embracing the authenticity of handcrafted design. The concept began the old-fashioned way, with crayons and paper, before being refined digitally on an iPad, resulting in artwork that feels distinctly human-made. One of the mailing’s highlights is a die-cut gatefold card that opens like an embrace, reinforcing the campaign’s message of appreciation, connection and gratitude. Every element was designed to capture the joy of receiving a handmade valentine while reminding donors of the impact their support has on the university.
Printed by Modern Litho and mailed to more than 51,000 donors, this campaign demonstrates how thoughtful design, personalization and premium paper can work together to strengthen relationships and inspire action. The result is a memorable piece that shows the enduring power of print to create meaningful connections.
Paper used:
Card: 100 lb. Cougar Cover, Smooth Finish
6×9 Booklet Envelope: 80 lb. Cougar Text, Smooth Text
Gift-Card (ask insert) – 100 lb. Cougar Text, Smooth Finish
A7 BRE – 60 lb. Husky Text, Smooth Finish
