Dawn BonkerThe inaugural issue of Chapman University’s research magazine is the winner of an International Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Chapman Forward magazine earned a bronze award in the category Publications: Institutional Relations – Research Publications. Chapman is one of just four American universities to have a publication honored in this category.
Published by Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) and the Office of Research and Creative Activity, Forward highlights the University’s growing research and creative activity and the areas where its faculty and students are making a difference in the world. Several SMC staff members contributed to the new publication, edited by senior editor Dennis Arp and designed by senior graphic designer Ivy Montoya Viado.
“This magazine was an entirely new approach in both design and content for Chapman,” said Jamie Ceman, vice president of strategic marketing and communications. “We were able to really showcase our talent while raising the profile of our amazing accomplishments in the world of research and creative activity.”
Judges particularly praised the magazine for its deft weaving of design, theme and content. In their comments, they wrote, “The visuals are bright and help the eye travel through the whole issue. The theme is carried throughout the issue in a clean and accessible way.”
The 36-page Forward published in fall 2018 and was formally unveiled at the University’s annual State of Research and Creative Activity presentation in November.
“Chapman Forward provides a glimpse into the role that research and scholarship play in enhancing student experiences and growing Chapman’s reputation,” said Tom Piechota, vice president of research. “I really enjoyed working with the SMC team to identify excellent stories in this powerful publication and know it’s making a big difference for us.”
In addition to the print product, the magazine included a robust web display of its major feature stories – also a factor in the CASE judges’ evaluations. Among the special online displays:
- Getting to the Root of Racist Hate, research insights from a social scientist
- Appalachian Awakening, the story behind a film professor’s new documentary
- The Wonders of Slime, a look into a marine biologist’s study of hagfish
The international CASE awards program honors outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing at colleges, universities, independent schools and affiliated nonprofits.
In 2019, CASE received 2,856 entries for consideration in 100 categories by 611 member higher education institutions, independent schools and nonprofits from 20 countries.
Winners are selected based on a number of factors, including overall quality, innovation, use of resources and the impact on the institution or its external and internal communities, such as alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff.
Sue Cunningham, president and CEO of CASE, commended this year’s recipients for their bold, innovative work that epitomizes the profession’s best practices.
“These awards demonstrate our members’ success in advancing their institutions through their remarkable work,” says Cunningham. “This year’s award winners demonstrate creativity and strategy.”
