The Bond University newsroom team developed a strategy to increase the breadth of researchers providing expert commentary in the media, while boosting the profiles of new and early-career academics, Ph.D. students, and experienced researchers.

Across Circle of Excellence Awards categories, women-focused themes emerged. Here are five winning entries that highlight, uplift, and celebrate women through compelling storytelling.

In the past two years, Wheaton College evaluated its social media ambassador program to better align it with institutional diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals. Anice Rodrigues Barbosa’s team created systemic practices that continue to generate growth within the program and division, as well as throughout the college.

Rates of mental health issues among college students have been rising for a nearly a decade—made worse by the pandemic. Now, more colleges and universities are discussing, focusing on, and prioritizing mental health initiatives. Here’s how advancement teams are working to support students’ mental health today, by raising awareness and sharing information, mobilizing donor and alumni support, and promoting wellness campuswide.

To help students overcome geographic, economic, and social barriers to education, LUMS launched a comprehensive recruitment and support initiative. Here's how the Pakistan university's award-winning program is making an impact.

Collaborative relationships between colleges or universities and their communities can contribute to an improved quality of life for everyone involved. From economic growth and development to attracting diverse talent to addressing inequalities, town-gown relations can enhance all aspects of a community. 

To creatively and efficiently recognize award-winners across the University of Toronto’s three campuses and a range of academic fields, the communications team developed a website, U of T Celebrates, to serve as a virtual trophy case.

To be inclusive, you must stay curious about the world, about your donors, and about the institutions where you work. 

What is race equity as it applies to education institutions? How are advancement teams approaching this work, which experts say involves a wholesale transformation of organizational cultures? How are institutions and individuals moving forward in the name of equity? 

The director of strategic communications at The Browning School shares her thoughts on representation, authenticity, and the power of alumni of color.