From the Nominator

In fall 2023, Western University transformed its flagship alumni publication, the Western Alumni Magazine, to better engage its global community of over 330,000 alumni and reflect the evolving institutional brand. The redesign aimed to engage a wider audience by moving beyond the traditional format of class notes and random alumni profiles to a more compelling, issue-driven editorial strategy. The new direction, including a thematic focus on grand societal challenges such as homelessness, healthcare, and sustainability, sought to demonstrate how Western’s alumni, faculty, and staff are driving real-world change. The transformation involved an overhaul of both content and design. The magazine adopted a cohesive narrative approach that connects diverse stories under each issue’s central theme. Rather than focusing solely on individual alumni, the publication now features stories that highlight collective impact, showcasing the contributions of the Western community. The magazine’s design was updated to be visually modern, aligning with the university’s updated brand. The launch of the redesigned magazine was successful, with the first issue resonating deeply with alumni, stakeholders, and faculty. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with readers expressing pride in their alma mater and newfound inspiration to engage with the university's mission. Digital engagement analytics indicate that WAM has reached a broad audience and sparked meaningful conversations about Western’s role in addressing global issues.

From the Judges

The team reconceptualized the purpose of this magazine to create a publication that stands out amongst its peers. This fresh approach elevated content to showcase the university as a thought leader and used visuals that show the team is in touch with pop culture and the reader of today. They should be proud to create a project that doesn’t look like a traditional alumni or university magazine.