Missouri State University’s Division of Marketing and Communications was recently recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for outstanding work.

“Each year the CASE Circle of Excellence Awards recognize hundreds of institutions whose talented staff members advanced their institutions last year through innovative, inspiring and creative ideas,” according to the CASE website.

The 2020 Circle of Excellence Awards honored two 2019 MSU projects: Onward Upward: The Campaign for Missouri State University and a video adaption for MSU’s research publication, Mind’s Eye, titled, “Putting it All Out There.”

The projects received the following awards:

• Onward, Upward: Gold in Fundraising Publication Packages category, Silver in Fundraising Videos – Short category
• Mind’s Eye: Bronze in News & Research Videos category

“The Circle of Excellence is especially meaningful because it’s an international competition,” said Bob Linder, director of MSU’s office of visual media.

Onward, Upward

The launch of Onward, Upward: The Campaign for Missouri State University marked the beginning of the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the school’s history.

University employees created many promotional printed materials to help the campaign reach its goal of $250 million, which will support students, faculty, programs and campus facilities.

The Missouri State Magazine additionally featured the campaign in its January/February 2020 issue.

The publications were the work of employees in the office of editorial and design services, as well as a student writer and contributors from the development office. Assistant director Michelle S. Rose served as managing writer/editor for text. Assistant director Amy Schuldt served as art director and designer.

“We were really impressed with the variety of events and promotional creativity that was considered,” a judge’s statement on the CASE website reads. “The campaign materials were very in-depth and well thought out, and it was smart to cover the event as the main feature in the next magazine edition.”

Alumnus and award-winning actor John Goodman served as the face of the campaign. His university story was additionally featured in a short video. It sought to drive audience interest and summarize the pillars of the campaign.

The video was the work of employees in the office of visual media, as well as two student videographers. University Communications Content Strategist Kevin Agee wrote the video’s script.

“The panel congratulates Missouri State for this really well-done video,” a second statement reads. “The video is distinguished by its strong concept, well-written script and effective music.”

Mind’s Eye

A 2019 Mind’s Eye piece written by former MSU staff was titled, “Putting it All Out There.” It featured the work of Broadway actress Lisa Brescia, an assistant professor in MSU’s department of theatre and dance.

University Communications Assistant Director Nicki Donnelson adapted the story for video, and it was later shot in New York City by Chris Nagle, assistant director in the office of visual media. Funding support for the project came from the College of Arts and Letters.

The project was “a very professional production across the board,” according to one judge’s statement. “Captivating and well done!”

Advancing content

Missouri State’s 2020 Circle of Excellence Awards exhibit a dedication in producing effective, engaging content to advance the university.

“The CASE Circle of Excellence Awards demonstrate creativity and strategy. They are a great source of inspiration and ideas for your own institutions,” CASE CEO and President Sue Cunningham said. “Your work engages important communities in the life of your campuses and institutions, advancing education to transform lives and society.”