Special Program Publications Packages

2010 Circle of Excellence Awards Program

Judges Report

In the judge's opinion, the areas that were generally weakest were documentation of results and budgets. Several packages that were well-designed lacked basic reporting, such as what actual attendance goals were or how many people attended the event(s). Several entries simply said "event was well attended or filled up quickly." The judges did place varying levels of emphasis on documented results, but we agreed that this requirement should have received more attention from the applicants - especially in today's economy where there should be a rationale for creating material and way to measure outcomes.

The other weakness was the lack of specific cost information. Although the entries contained total production costs, many entries did not provide a quantity. Thus, it was difficult to judge the budget simply by the total dollar amount spent. Also, most did not have any breakdown of costs for various pieces. Therefore, judges had to simply look at the grouping and make assumptions. More specific budgetary information would have also allowed the judges to have a better sense of whether goals and objectives were reached.

Several cohesive designs really leaped out to the judges in the way the elements were pulled together - whether it was a printing technique or use of fonts and colors. The packages that did this successfully really created a compelling visual identity. However, awards were given to the institutions that created not only beautiful packages but packages of substance. Winning entrants detailed how and why the materials worked.

Winners:

Grand Gold Award: University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Invention

The extraordinary attention to details and carry-through on this entry wowed the judges. Each of the pieces - from the beautifully designed book and elegant Web pages to the detailed and personal thank you letters - created a stunning package that tells the story of the institution and gives compelling reasons why donors are important. The book's use of white space and black and white photography was a breath of fresh air. The stories were well written and had broad appeal. The judges were impressed that the stories weren't about specific donor gifts but more about how dollars make a difference. "Invention" was well segmented in that it had a concrete framework for thanking donors at various levels - whether it was a personalized letter (square in shape) specifically recognizing a donor's contribution along with a book in a canvas sleeve, a book with a bell wrap, a tri-folded card, or e-card and Web link - each approach was beautifully crafted. A pleasure to view.

Gold Award: Dalhousie University - Environment, Sustainability and Society

These campaign launch materials are an excellent example of how a simple yet well-designed graphic element can be supremely effective. Throughout the campaign, this package consistently implemented three elements: the use of a bright green PMS color, consistent typography treatment with main words such as "change," and an arrow connecting through the mail word. This same format was employed whether Dalhousie created ads, print materials, e-announcements, or more. Although, the pieces were not fancy, they were functional. In an age of an overabundance of four-color photos and images, this was a welcome relief. This package is to be commended for its execution and success. Moreover, judges noted the results. The campaign resulted in double the amount of initial students for this new major program.

Bronze Award: University of Texas at Austin - Making Movies Exhibition

These collateral pieces crafted a cohesive set of materials that were classic yet fun throughout. The photos selected were well thought out, and the judges felt that theme was right on target for the event. Also noted was that the often missed details like tickets, which were not forgotten. The use of red worked well on the tickets and invitation. It would have been nice to see that element tie to the other pieces, as well. Another minor detail: the typography on the cover of the invitation didn't tie in to any other element, which made it feel a little out of place. However, these pieces not only achieved success graphically, they produced strong results for the dollars spent.