CMU efforts win international recognition

Central Michigan University's offices of University Communications and Advancement each have won international recognition for their outstanding work in 2019.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education's 2020 awards honored University Communications with its silver international Circle of Excellence Award for its multimedia/story package titled " CMU is Deep into Great Lakes Research," which was published in September.

Advancement won CASE's 2020 Educational Fundraising Award in the category of Overall Improvement for Public Research/Doctoral Institutions with endowments of less than $215 million. It is the first time CMU has received this award.

According to judges of the Great Lakes package, what seemed like a standard research story on the surface turned into a surprising interactive and engaging experience that takes users through CMU's journey to understanding and protecting the Great Lakes. They also said that the use of beautifully produced videos, movement on the map, and quickly consumable copy left readers informed, impressed and excited to continue following the story.

"I am excited that our team has been recognized for their work," said John Veilleux, chief marketing officer and vice president of University Communications. "We have a talented team of professionals second to none. They love to share stories about the talented faculty and students we have at Central Michigan University. It's easy to tell great stories when you have incredibly compelling stories to tell, and we are honored to share them."

The fundraising awards recognize exemplary development programs based on a blind review of data submitted to a CASE survey.

The years measured for the award were the last three of CMU's Fire Up for Excellence Campaign. Heidi Tracy, vice president of Advancement, said the campaign, which ended June 30, 2019, raised more than $115 million from 68,861 donors.

Students discuss their entry in the Collegiate Design Series Baja SAE with Advancement board member John Kulhavi at the kickoff of the Fire Up for Excellence campaign.

"CMU is known as a place that develops leaders," she said. "The work accomplished by the alumni, staff and donors during this campaign demonstrates just how strong those qualities are in every member of our community."

Overall, CASE received 2,752 entries from 587 higher education institutions, independent schools and nonprofits in 28 countries and selected more than 400 entries for recognition.