CSU Advancement, Communications Work Earns National Recognition

Several California State University communications and advancement teams have been recognized by the Council for the Advancement ​and Support of Education (CASE) with 2024 Circle of Excellence Awards,​ which showcase outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing.

Work by two CSU groups, at Chico State and Fresno State, received top honors: the Grand Gold Award.

“We applaud the achievements and innovation of advancement professionals across all sectors and all regions—work in schools, colleges and universities that advances education and thereby transforms lives and society," says Sue Cunningham, CASE President and CEO.

Grand Gold Awardees:

• In the Video—Student Audience (long) category, Fresno State was recognized for a viral video, “The Path to Graduation," in which three graduates are surprised with messages from their families.
• In the Leadership—Change Management category, Chico State earned an award for a successful campaign to overcome hiring challenges in fundraising.

Gold Awardees:

• In the Marketing—Branding category, Chico State was lauded for developing an Integrated Experience Strategy to strengthen the university's 2021 visual and narrative rebranding.
• In the Writing—Profile (1000+ words) category, the work of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo College of Engineering Communications Specialist Emily Slater was recognized for an article titled, “Senior Project to Help Engineering Student Sail Around the World."
• In the Marketing—Advertising (Direct Mail) category, Cal State San Bernardino was awarded for an affordable and distinctive alternative to traditional mailed acceptance letters.

Silver Awardees:

• In the Video—Promotional (long) category, San Francisco State earned recognition for a video they created to be shown at a CSU Board of Trustees meeting titled, “The Culture of Possibility." At the request of Trustee Wenda Fong, all 23 CSUs created outstanding videos to be showcased at the bimonthly meetings over the course of two years. They are available on the CSU's YouTube channel.
• In the Video—Holiday/Year-End category, Fresno State was honored for “A Season to Celebrate," which features an original music composition written and performed by a Fresno State student.
• In the Video—Videos on a Shoestring (fundraising) category, CSU San Marcos was recognized for a video created for the university's 2023 Dibs Employee Giving Campaign.

Bronze Awardees:

• In the Fundraising—Giving Day Campaigns category, CSU San Marcos was lauded for efforts to encourage student organization participation in annual Giving Day fundraising.