Best Article of the Year

This category is for a single article or collection of no more than three articles on any single subject published in an institutional periodical, typically a magazine or newsletter. Articles by freelance, staff, and non-staff writers may be submitted. Speeches or speech summaries, question-and-answer stories, and materials reprinted from other sources are not eligible.

Judging criteria

• Superior writing style
• Organization
• Creativity
• Careful editing

See recent winners and finalists in this category.

Best Practices in Advancement Services

This category is for exemplary programming, projects and initiatives in advancement services that can serve as models for other institutions. Entries should provide a successful solution to a challenge, reflect strategic use of resources, achieve significant results, and/or utilize innovative practices. Entries can be in any area of advancement services, including but not limited to information systems, gift reporting, stewardship and prospect research.

Judging criteria

• Ability to demonstrate significant results
• Strategic use of resources
• Creativity/innovation

See recent winners and finalists in this category.

Best Practices in Alumni Relations

This category is for exemplary programming, projects and initiatives in alumni relations that can serve as models for other institutions. Entries should provide a successful solution to a challenge, reflect strategic use of resources, achieve significant results, and/or demonstrate innovative practices. Examples may include a new twist to existing alumni programming; engaging emerging constituents with a goal toward improving diversity and inclusion; or innovative ways to engage or re-engage alumni.

Judging criteria

• Ability to demonstrate significant results
• Strategic use of resources
• Creativity/innovation

See recent winners and finalists in this category.

Best Practices in Communications and Marketing

This category is for programming, projects and initiatives in communications and marketing that can serve as a model for other institutions. Entries should provide a successful solution to overcoming challenges, reflect strategic use of resources, achieve significant results, and/or demonstrate innovative practices. Entries can address projects in a variety of areas, including but not limited to public relations, media relations, internal communications, crisis communications, branding, and integrated marketing.

Judging criteria

• Ability to demonstrate significant results
• Audience engagement
• Strategic use of resources
• Creativity/innovation

See recent winners and finalists in this category.

Best Practices in Digital Communications

This category recognizes new or established programming, projects and initiatives that employ digital communications, including but not limited to electronic communication, social media, and online content such as marketing communication. Initiatives may be ongoing or new, but must have been in place long enough to have produced well-documented results.

Judging criteria

• Ability to demonstrate significant results
• Audience engagement
• Strategic use of resources
• Creativity/innovation

See recent winners and finalists in this category.

Best Practices in Diversity Programming

This category is for programming, projects and initiatives that engage diverse constituents and those that contribute to an organizational climate committed to diversity. Entries also can be initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in educational advancement hiring and retention, such as student programming aimed at developing a diverse pipeline for the profession. 

Judging criteria

• Ability to demonstrate significant results
• Audience engagement
• Strategic use of resources
• Creativity/innovation

See recent winners and finalists in this category.

Best Practices in Fundraising

This category is for exemplary programming, projects and initiatives in fundraising that can serve as a model for other institutions. Entries should provide a successful solution to overcoming a challenge, reflect strategic use of resources, achieve significant results and/or demonstrate innovative practices. Initiatives may be ongoing or new, but must have been in place long enough to have produced well-documented results.

Judging criteria

• Ability to demonstrate significant results
• Audience engagement
• Strategic use of resources
• Creativity/innovation

See recent winners and finalists in this category.

Excellence in Photography

This category is for a collection of photographs (color or black and white) used for a related purpose, such as to illustrate a magazine story, for a promotional publication or website, or for an advertising campaign. Entries can be produced by one or more staff or freelance photographers for use in an institutional publication, or for some other institutional purpose. One entry consists of a portfolio of 5-10 related photographs. Unpublished photos are not eligible.

Judging criteria

• Composition
• Technical quality
• Impact
• How well the photographs illustrate/enhance the subject

See recent winners and finalists in this category.