From the Nominator

"Iowa Magazine cultivates a spirit of community among the University of Iowa alumni and friends through the power of storytelling. Compelling writing and design invite readers to connect as members of a Hawkeye family that drives positive change in the world.  

Produced by the UI Center for Advancement, the magazine is the university’s flagship publication. Iowa Magazine has broadened its distribution beyond our alumni and donor base to businesses across the state, so we can attract new friends to the university and share with Iowans the university’s important role in serving the state.  

Over the years, the magazine has expanded its network of collaborators to diversify the range of voices and stories represented. We also team with campus partners like UI Hospitals & Clinics, the museums, and athletics on multimedia features that strategically help build the university’s reputation in areas such as health care, space research, and the arts. The university’s culture and values are reflected in our balanced coverage.  

Our inclusive approach to storytelling has paid off. In a UI Center for Advancement survey, more than 90 percent of respondents were satisfied with our communications. One reader wrote, “I would like to compliment Iowa Magazine for the content which broadly covered the people Iowa graduates and, as an institution, what it cultivates. You make us, as alumni, proud as part of an institution that does so much great for our communities, the state, the nation, even the world.”"

From the Judges

Great covers! The brand alignment is really strong. The magazine takes ownership of what life at Iowa looks like. The music issue took an interesting approach—and "Eight over 80" was a great story. The colors really popped. Reading this made the judges want to go to Iowa!