From the Nominator

"As Virginia Tech prepared to reopen in August 2020, university relations needed a way to draw readers to frequent, critical COVID updates headlining the university’s daily news email, even as quarantine fatigue set in nationwide. To address this challenge, Creative Producer Steven White was tasked with creating “Semi-frequent, Mostly Sketchy Doodles at the Very Bottom of the Email” (or “Doodles” for short). These hand-drawn illustrations provided a surprise-and-delight that people could look forward to after reading through the content above it. They varied by subject and mood, but they always brought a lighthearted look at campus life through the artist’s eyes.  

Thanks to his growing fan base, the “semi-frequent” series soon became a daily one. As of March 2022, Steven has produced more than 376 illustrations in his now full-time role as Virginia Tech’s university doodler. His illustrations have taken on a life beyond, but still including, the daily news email. They have been repurposed for large-scale advancement initiatives, including a stewardship postcard mailed to more than 18,000 university friends. 

At the end of 2021, he took center stage at a holiday alumni event that drew nearly 400 guests and raised nearly $2,000 to support student scholarships. In-person and online guests to that event received an exclusive 2022 Doodles calendar in the mail. Thanks to that success, advancement objectives were written into his job description and his work has been a regular feature of major campaigns."

From the Judges

Very well executed and can be replicated but other institutions. Demonstrated use and impact of the artwork. "gave readers a reason to smile, reflect, and feel part of a larger community" YES! Judges especially loved the nuggets of detail throughout illustrations.