From the Nominator

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, a land-grant institution, launched a new printed publication, Almanac, in July 2022 to cover research, academic, student, Extension, and alumni content in a visually stimulating, fresh format that is a break from traditional college alumni magazines. For 2023, the magazine followed the format of an introductory section called Survey, followed by four main feature sections. The names of the sections are modified annually in a nod to the content of that section each year and have agricultural or environmental themes. Given the success of the magazine’s first issue, the team has continued to work with college leadership to choose article topics, areas of focus, and ways to support the college’s priorities in instruction, research and Extension. The publication was mailed to more than 23,500 alumni, stakeholders, donors, legislators, faculty, and staff, as well as members of peer institutions. The issue was also created in a digital format, with immersive versions of the articles created in the Shorthand platform. Hundreds of additional copies were distributed at events, locations on and off campus, and by request. Between the launch and the end of 2023, the digital edition received 5,162 unique visitors (with 7,252 visits and 9,259 views). The 2022 Almanac received awards, including the 2023 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Georgia Phoenix Award for Magazines, the 2023 Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) Gold Award, the 2023 ACE Outstanding Professional Skill Award, and the 2023 National Agricultural Alumni Development Association (NAADA) First-Place College Magazine.

From the Judges

The use of bright, engaging, and spectacular imagery, along with compelling stories and plenty of QR codes for engaged readers to find out more, made for a refreshing and delightful submission. We absolutely loved this nomination!