From the Nominator

This celebratory publication reflects on 100 years of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. This compilation of 12 original essays, written by Pacific faculty and staff, explores the complex ecosystems of the campus and provides multiple perspectives of the university's natural and built environments. The Pacific strategic communications team was responsible for the design, layout, and editing of this collection of stories into a book, a task never before taken on by this team. Anyone who has visited the Stockton campus experiences the power of Pacific's place. Walking to class, experiencing different seasons, attending ceremonies, or spending time with friends on a moonlit night--all these things and more make every person a part of the institution's history. The book's design illustrates that feeling by incorporating architectural features and symbols of the institution in its three custom design elements: a border, a pattern, and a chapter page motif. In addition, the creative director used fonts and a design that reflected the feel of publications produced in the early 1920s. The result is a design that thoughtfully enhances the text and showcases a visual narrative rich in Pacific history.

From the Judges

The designer clearly developed a narrative for the piece that delivers on its purpose. The use of color is extraordinary--the bold cover invokes the 1920s period as intended, but then to carry it through to the interior pages with a border is so exactly right. It is clear that much research was done to achieve a modern version of this 1920s-inspired book. Use of seal elements to create a pattern is inspired. The chapter motif mimics campus architecture while maintaining the 1920 graphic style; it demonstrates how committed this team was to the vision.