From the Nominator

Because UCLA Magazine only produces one print issue a year, it’s critical for its content to provide impact. So we planned our issue with four words guiding us: impact, variety, specialness, and surprise. First, we threw out the existing print template and started with a fresh canvas. Instead of chopping up the magazine in the traditional style of departments and features, we created a new, kicky up-front section called “Bruinology” that emphasized short, intensely graphic storytelling; our feature well also leaned heavily into photography and illustration, with lots of bleeds and room for art to breathe. We live in a visual, digital world and wanted to translate that vitality into print. Editorially, we hunted for stories that showcased the impact of UCLA and why it remains, seven years running, the number one-ranked public university. We told stories in various ways: chart, graph, pictorial, Q&A, essay, great narrative, even an interactive quiz. We wanted to surprise our readers by telling stories in ways we never had before. The impact of this issue has been incredible: We’ve received more positive feedback from alumni, donors, and staff on this issue than for any other. (You know you’ve done something right when people around campus are stopping the chancellor to ask him to autograph copies.) Even more impressive, after the editorial was posted to the UCLA Magazine website, unique visits to the site doubled year over year, from 11,479 in December 2022 to 22,267 in December 2023.

From the Judges

We enjoyed the layout, colors, and images used throughout. Additionally, we liked the risks the editors took throughout the issue, especially the new Bruinology section.