BetterPlanet Project, University Magazine Win Gold
June 13, 2011 - Campus Bulletin
The University of Guelph’s BetterPlanet Project and the Portico magazine have received top honours from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). Both earned gold medals in the annual Prix d’Excellence competition, held this month in Quebec City.
U of G also won a silver medal for its innovative ways of connecting with prospective students. CCAE is the national association for advancement and communications professionals.
Alumni Affairs and Development received the gold medal in the “best fundraising case statement and campaign materials” category for the BetterPlanet Project. Calling the campaign’s positioning “inspiring,” the judges lauded its compelling, motivating writing and clear, consistent brand.
The Portico magazine — edited by Mary Dickieson, publications manager in Communications and Public Affairs — won gold in the “best magazine” category. It beat out more than 30 entries from across the country. The magazine was recognized for writing style, article variety and quality, interesting design and strong photos.
In the “best use of social media” category, Angi Gallupe, information services manager with Admission Services, won silver for using QR codes in the 2011 admissions handbook. U of G was one of the first institutions in Canada to use this new technology, based on a square barcode that can be read by most smartphones. Scanning the barcode with its encoded information connects users to a website or other online data.
“These national accolades are extremely gratifying,” said president Alastair Summerlee. “It is well-deserved recognition of the outstanding work of our staff. But it also shows that U of G’s message is being heard, which is vital as we continue to work to help improve the quality of food, environment, health and communities here and around the world.”
