A Connected Suite for Colgate University
“We always feel Concept3D is invested in Colgate’s success, not just as a client but as a collaborator.”
Dave Herringshaw, Senior Digital Production Specialist
About Colgate University and Concept3D
Located in Hamilton, New York, Colgate University is home to 3,200 undergraduates and is renowned for balancing tradition and innovation, rigorous academics, and a close-knit community. Since 2016, the university has relied on Concept3D to deliver a digital ecosystem that reflects the institution’s values of creating a connected, accessible and engaging experience for every student.
“Colgate is a small, tight-knit community, but we’re also evolving rapidly,” says Dave Herringshaw, Senior Digital Production Specialist at Colgate University. “We need digital tools that honor our traditions while creating a modern, intuitive experience for our students.”
Challenges with Mobile & Accessibility
Before partnering with Concept3D, Colgate relied on a static, outdated campus map and event calendar. The map lived in Google embeds and a flat PDF proved neither mobile-friendly nor WCAG compliant. Their event calendar was also limited: it lacked personalization, discoverability for smaller events, and efficient ways to share information.
“The old tools weren’t serving students, families, or staff very well,” said Herringshaw. “They created barriers instead of breaking them down.”
Since adopting Concept3D’s Interactive Map and Localist Event Calendar, Colgate has transformed its digital experience. Both products are now interactive, searchable, and responsive across devices while providing students with a personalized experience.
An Integrated Suite of Solutions to Serve Students
Solving Student Needs
Prospective and current students, along with alumni and families, benefit from both reliable navigation and streamlined discovery for meaningful events. The Concept3D suite of solutions offers:
- Mobile-friendly compatibility
- Accessibility layers
- Virtual tours
- Personalized recommendations for events
By aggregating data, Localist Events can filter for preferences through categories and event tags that then provide a tailored recommendation for events that would interest each individual student.
Interactive Map + Localist Integration
The two tools work seamlessly together, especially during big events on campus like Move-In Day, Orientation Week and Commencement.
“The map provides the ‘where,’ and Localist Events provides the ‘what and when’. Together, they give students a unified digital experience: they know where they’re going and what’s happening when they arrive.” – Dave Herringshaw, Senior Digital Production Specialist
One feature Herringshaw finds particularly impactful is the integration of events into the campus map. “One of my favorite features is the Events category on the map, which pulls directly from Localist. It lets users visualize what’s happening across campus in real time.”
Branding Consistency
Both products reinforce Colgate’s identity through consistent application of brand standards.
“The map reflects our colors, fonts, and design, while Localist aligns with how we communicate activities across academics, athletics, and more,” says Herringshaw. “They strengthen our brand across every digital medium.”
Accessibility and Inclusion
Accessibility has been a key driver of Colgate’s digital transformation.
Their Interactive Map includes responsive design, accessibility layers for things like AED devices and ADA parking, and the event calendar ensures every student can fully participate in campus life.
Accessibility is core to Colgate’s mission of inclusion and equity. Today’s students expect mobile-first, intuitive tools, and WCAG compliance is fundamental. “With Concept3D, we’re actively welcoming every member of our community,” Herringshaw said.
Student and Community Impact
For Big Events and Daily Life
The tools have had tremendous impact for both large-scale campus events and day-to-day student life.
“During orientation, new students use the map for wayfinding and the calendar for personalized events tied to their residential community,” Herringshaw explains. “But the impact extends beyond students. Families and alumni also use them for reunions, commencement, and more. The map and event calendar improve attendance, reduce confusion and create a smoother experience.”
Partnership with Concept3D
Beyond the technology itself, Herringshaw credits the Concept3D team for their collaborative approach.
“They’ve been excellent partners from day one,” he says. “Onboarding, training, ongoing support – their team is clear and responsive. Updates roll out consistently, and we always feel they’re invested in Colgate’s success, not just as a client but as a collaborator.”
Continued and Growing Partnership
Concept3D’s suite has reshaped how Colgate presents its campus to their community and a decade-long partnership has proved invaluable to their digital evolution.
“These solutions have transformed our digital presence,” says Herringshaw. Colgate’s partnership will continue to grow as their campus and student needs evolve. The seamless map and calendar integration work with their student portal, Drupal and even print materials making the partnership a non-negotiable for the future .
“These solutions have transformed our digital presence.”
Dave Herringshaw, Senior Digital Production Specialist
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