For "24 Hours at the University of Connecticut," we devoted an issue to showing one entire day, hour by hour, of life on campus. This was a massive undertaking from logistical and editorial perspectives, rife with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Each piece of the process was thoughtful and intentional. Despite a terrifically tight timeline, we started with a step back to set parameters. While we would scout and plan, we would set nothing up, taking photos only of what was really happening in the moment. The powerful photographs would tell the story, with minimal captioning. We’d get behind the scenes whenever possible. Whether you graduated 80 years or 80 days ago, this would bring you back. Every snag along the way— technical, situational, or personnel-related—was painstakingly worked through to keep up team energy, pride, and passion. We were kind and considerate to one another, while consistently seeking the perfection we all desired. The love for this issue surpassed our highest hopes and hit that impossible trifecta of pleasing our readers, our brass, and our peers. It received the most feedback of any publication in University Communications memory and prompted donations to our foundation. Our communications vice president told our tiny staff, “You have created a perfect thing.”
From the Judges
"24 Hours at the University of Connecticut" earned the CASE Grand Gold because it reimagined the familiar day-in-the-life concept into a deeply emotional experience that was unmistakably UConn.
