From the Nominator

"Kenyon College launched the monthly newsletter “Talk of the Hill” in February 2023 to strengthen a sense of community and long-lasting connection between the college and the families of current students. Knowing parents' very real desire to be included in their child’s transition to adulthood and the vital role families can play in determining student success in college; we saw the value in creating a communications channel dedicated solely to parents.

The design and tone of the newsletter mirror Kenyon’s distinctively authentic voice (smart, friendly, and unreserved) so families feel that not only do they know Kenyon but also that Kenyon knows them. Carefully curated stories and images amplify the work and experiences of a wide range of students, from athletes and performing artists to affinity groups and academic all-stars, so any parent scrolling through the newsletter can recognize their child as a valued member of our community. Sharing campus resources for families about issues like class registration and how to apply for next year’s housing serve to alleviate the anxiety of the unknown and conveys that the college respects and honors parental interest in how their student can best thrive in their home away from home. 

From the first edition, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from families and campus colleagues. “Talk of the Hill” has proven how deeply parents appreciate feeling seen and supported as valued members of our college community. The newsletter gives them confidence that Kenyon was the right choice for their family."

From the Judges

Coming out of the pandemic, the Kenyon College team took the opportunity to review this vehicle and refocus on making it work for their audience. The execution is flawless both in terms of matching audience to content and efficient use of resources. By going beyond headlines and using pithy teasers, this newsletter presents information for resources and services to help parents help their students thrive. The photography puts readers in the season on campus, and the 70% open rate is impressive.