The Institutional Advancement integrated marketing & communications team has won awards in two national competitions for their work in 2023.
"The unwavering ingenuity and dedication of Institutional Advancement's integrated marketing team are a driving force behind the College's soaring reputation and brand excellence," said Carolyn Curry, vice president for institutional advancement. "With each endeavor, our IA champions not only leave a mark, but etch an indelible legacy of distinction."
In the 37th Annual Educational Advertising Awards, the SMCM team took home a Gold Award for the Admitted Student Pocket Folder in the Search Pieces category, and a Merit Award for the President's Holiday Card in the Miscellaneous Collateral & Special Promotions category. In addition, the College's Fall Open House Campaign received a Bronze Award in the Total Digital Marketing Program category in conjunction with Creative Communications Associates. Over 2,000 entries were received from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all fifty states and numerous countries.
In the Collegiate Advertising Awards, SMCM received a Gold Award in the TV/Video category for Spirit of SMCM: Memories of 2023 (holiday video) and a Silver Award in the Total Advertising Campaigns category for the 2023 Mulberry Music Festival. The 2023 holiday video received more views than any SMCM holiday video since 2019, while the 2023 Mulberry Music Festival recorded the highest attendance in the festival's 4-year history. Gold Awards denote entries in the top 5% nationally, with Silver going to those in the top 12%.
The Institutional Advancement (IA) unit includes Alumni Relations, Development, Events & Conferences and Integrated Marketing & Communications teams. IA partners with other departments across campus in support of all of the College's major activities, including academics, enrollment and student affairs. "The awards we have received - over 50 in the past several years - reflect both the depth of IA's work on all aspects of the College's life, and the partnerships we have forged with other units across campus," added Curry.
