Individual Institutional Relations & Alumni Relations Publications

General Observations 

There were 118 entries submitted in this category, which overall reflected a high level of design, photography and printing, whether produced in-house or by an agency. By far, the weakest element was the writing, which heavily leaned toward a journalistic, just-the-facts style versus a persuasive, creative approach more suitable to this type of publication. Quality of writing was probably the deciding factor in separating winners and non-winners. Many pieces had strong design, photography and printing but average writing and did not win. Most of the writing appeared formulaic in the absence of more specific stories that illustrate abstract ideas or take a less literal approach that marries design and writing together and makes for a more interesting publication. Only five of the entries scored above average in the writing category and all won either gold or silver awards. Originality was another huge deciding factor; the winners stood out from the crowd. Judges were impressed with the winners' cleverness. In many instances, winners took a thematic approach with underlying narratives that stood out over other well-designed pieces that lacked appeal on another level.

Because the category covered such an extreme range of publications (simple brochures, coffee table books, magazines, newsletters, calendars, a deck of cards), the judges decided each had to stand on its own merits for what it was. Judges also decided to treat the two subcategories (institutional relations and alumni relations) as one since those fitting the alumni relations criteria were weaker overall. Using a scale of 1 to 10, the judges critiqued each piece for overall quality, writing, visuals, innovation and effective use of resources with 50 being the highest possible score. Many pieces showed award-winning aspects, such as an eye-catching cover, but as a total publication didn't hold together. Of the total entries, 24 made the cut to the semi-finalist round. After tabulating individual judge's points for each of these, the top 13 received awards. None of these scored a perfect 50 (the highest was a 49), although some scored the most points possible (10) within the five criteria evaluated. A 29-point spread framed the winners, with a spread of 1 to 12 points separating semi-finalists judged but not winning. Judges hope that future entries will exhibit the creative depth found in this year's top winners, but advised, "beware of copying the winners. Creative originality trumps clones!"

Comments on Winning Entries

Grand Gold Medal

Memorial University of Newfoundland, (Novel Ideas)

• This piece took a non-literal approach, profiling classic novels throughout the visuals, the writing, even the size of the piece. It was truly the most overall creative of the category. All judges gave it a perfect 10 for the visuals (the different illustrative treatment was a risk). Judges noted the cover was simple yet elegant and was a perfect match for the interior. Exceptional type treatment inside and easy to read financials.

Gold Medals

University of Brighton, (Transforming Research)

• This piece stood out as the strongest design of the category. Bold, big and every spread worked without becoming too overwhelming, boring or repetitive. Spread after spread excellent for photo, white space, type and text treatment. A magazine approach perfect bound as a soft-cover book. Type treatment is a study in use of Helvetica. A piece that everyone wanted to keep as a sample of great magazine design for its perfect albeit eclectic mix of type, visuals, space and color choices.

University of San Diego, (2008 President's Report/2009 Desk Calendar)

• A strong creative, conceptual piece built around the idea of "old world" travel, canceled foreign stamps, a calendar and postcards that could be actually removed from the piece and mailed. Everything worked together from the size, paper, color tones and photos. Introductory copy compelling as were travel destination panels.

Washington State University, (School for Global Animal Health Brochure)

• Considered the most innovative piece of the category for its interesting die cut and fold of a simple brochure. Impossible to fold back incorrectly, noted one judge. Compelling photos. Simple message, strongly communicated.

Silver Medals

Massachusetts College of Art and Design, (2007-08 President's Report)

• Strong visuals and creative layout allowing for copy to be easily read, intriguing diagonal effect on spreads.

Pitzer College, (2008 Report of Excellence)

• Nice illustrations and treatment of main headings; again something out of the ordinary.

St. Timothy's School, (A History from 1882-2008)

• Clean design, nicely done with historic overtones that appropriately represented the nature of the piece.

University of Toronto, (Excellence, Innovation, Leadership - Research at the University of Toronto)

• Strong photography and clever headings; excellent use of resources

Bronze Medals

Green Mountain College, (Annual Report)

• Excellent use of resources, good solid design, photography and very nice printing on an uncoated paper.

Monash University, (Go Boldly)

• Exceptional photography; one judge thought the book much stronger without the dust cover.

Suffolk University, (Arts + Science Magazine)

• Best overall magazine submitted in the category

The National University System, (2008 Annual Report)

• Excellent use of resources, judges liked its use of photography to layout, use of large headlines and pullouts.

University of Liverpool, (Annual Report)

• Good use of resources, nice cover especially stamp art, a theme carried throughout; strong, varied photos maintained interesting pace.