From the Nominator

For an alumni community facing a tough fall in 2024—with the prospect of a contentious national election, conflict at home and abroad, not to mention Oregon State University’s first season in what had sadly become the Pac-2—the Oregon Stater offered hope in the form of the Fall 2024 “Optimism Issue.” In articles ranging from the interview with the university president to a feature and companion video story about OSU’s spirited marching band, the magazine rallied readers around positivity and problem-solving with an emphasis on the power of community to create change. The lead feature, “How to Keep Hope Alive,” highlighted five faculty, alumni, and students focused on problems that might seem unsolvable—ALS, political polarization, gun violence, achievement gaps, eroding coastlines—and asked how they remain motivated to continue their work. The publisher’s letter framed university bragging points as reasons for optimism. Even the cover delivered a smile: as explained in the “Backstory” on the issue’s last page, OSU-affiliated foresters planted larch trees that turn into a giant smiley face on a hillside of evergreen fir trees every fall. This range of topics was chosen to resonate broadly with our audience of roughly 200,000, and to foster confidence in the university’s leadership, pride in the meaningful work of alumni and faculty, and hope for the impact our students will make in the future—all of which encourage deeper connection with and support of the university.

From the Judges

A visually engaging issue with well-identified sections, plenty of white space, strong design elements to divide text blocks, a mix of graphics, terrific photography, great illustrations, good use of typography, and a fantastic, visually interesting cover that displays an image unique to the institution. This art direction allows each article to have its own feeling while maintaining a cohesion across a well-balanced array of editorial topics. The magazine also has an effective presence in print and digitally.