Seminole County

On Monday, my college changed its name from Seminole Community College to Seminole State College of Florida.

I am very happy about the name change, not because it looks exciting to anyone, but because of the alternative names the school was considering.

One of the ridiculous names floated (as a finalist no less!) was “Peninsula State College.”  When the admissions director tested that name in one of my classes, we started laughing!  We were thinking, ‘what idiot said that would be a good name?!’  That’s when she said, ‘that one was picked out by a marketing person who said that it would be good for marketing purposes.’

Well, Mr. Marketing Person.  You’re so wrong.  That was the dumbest idea for a school name.  Here’s why:

1. Our school is located in Seminole County, so it makes sense to have Seminole in the name.  What does Peninsula tell you about the location?  Nothing.
2. Our school is located in East Florida, so it makes sense that one of the other choices was East Florida, it’s not as good as Seminole, but it works.  Peninsula, most people don’t even know what that is, let alone how to spell it.
3. Our school’s first president was named Weldon, although mostly only faculty knew that, since most students thought it was just the name of the main road to the main campus in Sanford/Lake Mary.  So, even that name makes sense, and has a nice ring to it … for marketing purposes.  What does Peninsula have that Weldon can’t do better?  Nothing, that’s what.
4. Thankfully the people have spoken and they did not agree with Mr. Marketing Person’s dull idea.  Sometimes its best to just leave well enough alone Mr. Marketing Person.  Just let it be.  Sometimes you’re brilliant and other times you’re not, just let it be.

So, there you have it.  The people won, the Marketing Dude lost, and I don’t have to quit my school because of a dumb name change.  I can actually be proud of going to a new State College, one that tells you all you need to know:  Seminole State College of Florida.  “The logical choice.”  (What I wrote on my evaluation form).

Until next time.

-Ryan.

Tagged as: Florida, Marketing, Seminole Community College, Seminole County, Seminole State College of Florida

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