Missouri State University staff members are the recipients of nine CASE District VI 2021 Institutional Awards. This includes two Grand Golds, the district’s highest honor.
CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, is a nonprofit that supports alumni relations, communications, development and marketing professionals at educational institutions worldwide.
MSU is in CASE District VI, which includes Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.
These awards recognize work from this district that showcases best practices and builds strong relationships with alumni, donors, potential students and other constituencies.
MSU’s entries competed against a large field of more than 300 submissions, reviewed by more than 70 judges.
2021 awards
Grand Gold in Publications/Student Recruitment-Viewbooks and Prospectuses: Variable Data Viewbook
From the judges: “This is a fantastic example of customizing an experience based on a user. The writing and photography are also excellent. This is a game-changing concept with measurable outcomes, since the team can show a direct correlation to increase in web traffic when these publications were mailed.”
Lead team members:
- Veronica Adinegara, senior graphic designer, editorial and design services
- Michelle S. Rose, assistant director of editorial, editorial and design services
- Contributing photographer Kevin White, assistant director, office of visual media
- Contributing photographer Jesse Scheve, photographer, office of visual media
- Mark A. McCarty, manager of printing and postal services
- Austin Hubbard, pre-press technician, printing and postal services
- Julie C. Spinabella, administrative coordinator of data and communications
- Benjamin P. Metzger, associate director of admissions/operations and systems
Grand Gold in Video/Fundraising-Short: Onward, Upward: The Campaign for Missouri State University
From the judges: “Excellent use of famous alum. Script was really good. Inspiring use of ‘Here come the Bears’ and transition to today’s campus.”
Lead team members:
- Chris Nagle, assistant director, office of visual media
- Kevin Agee, content strategist, university communications
- Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement
- Suzanne Shaw, vice president for marketing and communications
- Stephanie Smith, senior director of donor relations and special events
Additional support provided by the offices of development, university communications and visual media.
Gold in Special Events-Single Day: It’s ON — Missouri State University “Onward, Upward” Campaign Launch Event
From the judges: “THIS is how a successful campaign looks, feels and lives. The Missouri State University ‘Onward, Upward’ campaign is a gem on all accounts. Unique aspect of keeping a secret while also inspiring attendees to come. Great marketing materials. Outstanding work!”
Lead team member:
- Stephanie Smith, senior director of donor relations and special events
Additional support from members of the offices of alumni relations, development and the Division of Marketing and Communications.
Gold in Video/PSAs and Commercial Spots: “This is the right place, this is the right time”
From the judges: “Well done. Great placement for a famous alumnus. Great messaging in the time constraints.”
Lead team members:
- Chris Nagle, assistant director, office of visual media
- Suzanne Shaw, vice president for marketing and communications
- Bob Linder, former director, office of visual media
- Kevin Agee, content strategist, university communications
Silver in Publications/Fundraising-Case Statements/General Cultivation Publications: Onward, Upward Master Case Statement
From the judges: “A comprehensive campaign case statement is a major undertaking, and this one is nicely done. The campaign name and the logo have great movement, and lots of possibilities. They carried this through with a compelling story.”
Lead team members:
- Amy Schuldt, assistant director of design, editorial and design services
- Michelle S. Rose, assistant director of editorial, editorial and design services
- Wendy Ferguson, executive director of development
- Lauren Stockam, graduate assistant, university communications
Silver in Publications/Institutional Relations-Research Publications: 2019 Mind’s Eye
From the judges: “This publication is a great example of sharing research activities with excellent storytelling and readability.”
Lead team members:
- Nicki Donnelson, assistant director, university communications
- Teri Poindexter, graphic designer, editorial and design services
- Contributing writers:
- Andrea Mostyn, director of university communications
- Emily Yeap, public relations specialist, university communications
- Kevin Agee, content strategist, university communications
- Graduate assistants Lauren Stockam and Tori York
- Lucie Amberg, former strategic communications specialist for the Reynolds College of Arts and Letters
- Contributing photographers:
- Bob Linder, former director, office of visual media
- Kevin White, assistant director, office of visual media
- Jesse Scheve, photographer, office of visual media
Silver in Video on a Shoestring: “Better Than Ever”
From the judges: “Good energy. Student and alumni pride was clear.”
Lead team members:
- Chris Nagle, assistant director, office of visual media
- Kevin Agee, content strategist, university communications
- Suzanne Shaw, vice president for marketing and communications
- Clif Smart, university president
Silver in Video/Student Recruitment-Long: “Mind’s Eye: Putting it all out there”
Lead team members:
- Nicki Donnelson, assistant director, university communications
- Chris Nagle, assistant director, office of visual media
- Kevin White, assistant director, office of visual media
- Lisa Brescia, assistant professor, theatre and dance
- Lucie Amberg, former strategic communications specialist for the Reynolds College of Arts and Letters
Bronze in Design for Publications (Multi-Page): 2019 Mind’s Eye
From the judges: “Very nice piece, whether in print or video. … This took a lot of coordinating and expense to create. Well-written and diverse selections for highlighted stories.”
Lead team members:
- Nicki Donnelson, assistant director, university communications
- Teri Poindexter, graphic designer, editorial and design services
- Contributing photographers:
- Bob Linder, former director, office of visual media
- Kevin White, assistant director, office of visual media
- Jesse Scheve, photographer, office of visual media
