Ohio State: Sharing Inspiring Alumni Stories
From the Nominator
The design, art, and stories of Ohio State Alumni Magazine have one overarching goal: to demonstrate that our university community connects people, ideas, and resources to create meaningful impact and improve lives. Each issue underscores Ohio State's brand messaging and the alumni association’s vision to serve as the heart of the alumni community. We are a source of insider information, sharing stories readers may not see elsewhere. In the summer issue, we profiled former football players Ryan Shazier and Tyson Gentry, who both sustained life-changing injuries and went on to create nonprofits that work with and for people with spinal-cord injuries. Staff photographer Jodi Miller followed the men as they went about their daily lives, including meeting with others who sustained spinal-cord injuries. Also featured are a 99-year-old veteran and six mentors, all of whom give back to the Ohio State community. The fall issue featured a military veteran who works in Columbus and Washington, D.C., to promote diplomacy and impact foreign policy. In telling Gretchen Klinger’s story, we used engaging photos from her two worlds: working a steak fry at the VFW post she leads and rubbing elbows with leaders in D.C. This issue also celebrated the arts at Ohio State, using portraits and candid photos in addition to illustrations and creative storytelling. To show readers something different, we highlighted two alumni who pilot the Goodyear blimp, in this photo feature that took readers into the air.
From the Judges
The magazine has a polished layout with thoughtful design, balancing white space and photos effectively. Consistent branding showcases the university's impact, while clean, photo-driven layouts enhance readability.