UC San Diego Receives Three International CASE Awards

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has recognized UC San Diego for excellence in advertising, branding and video production in the 2017 Circle of Excellence Awards. The international competition recognizes educational institutions and nonprofits annually for outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, marketing and fundraising for higher education. This year’s awards program received 3,364 entries from 715 member institutions worldwide. Entries were considered by category and judged by peer professionals, who selected 366 winners from over 200 member institutions—including three from UC San Diego.

Sue Cunningham, president and CEO of CASE, says 2017 was the most competitive year ever for the awards program that recognizes outstanding achievement in educational advancement.

“These awards acknowledge superior accomplishments that have lasting impact, demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and deliver exceptional results,” said Cunningham. “We salute the winners and thank everyone for their vital contributions to advancing education that transforms lives and society.”

UC San Diego’s 2017 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards include:

To view a list of award winners and judges’ reports from the 2017 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards, click here.

Advertising: Campaigns
Silver Award--“Break Things Better” Advertising Campaign

As part of a new branding effort, University Communications and Public Affairs launched a comprehensive advertising campaign designed to reflect UC San Diego’s unique and innovative identity through print and digital media. Applauded by judges for its energy and creativity, the campaign features surreal visuals and engaging texts that showcase the university’s mission, accomplishments, campus and community like never before.
Video: PSAs and Commercial Spots
Silver Award—“Break Things Better” Commercial Spot

In order to engage audiences of the Break Things Better campaign, University Communications and Public Affairs created a commercial spot that accentuates UC San Diego’s campus and defines its mission—to dissect convention and deconstruct tradition to change the world for the better. The video features a montage of students, faculty and staff, as well as a music overlay composed, performed and edited by university music faculty. Judges were impressed by the video’s outstanding focus and otherworldly animation, praising its ability to attract prospective students and establish pride for the UC San Diego community.
Branding Programs: Department or Unit
Bronze Award—Alumni Weekend 2016

Alumni Weekend’s True Triton Celebration, honoring UC San Diego alumni volunteers, recognized three outstanding alumni ambassadors in our community and around the world. (L-R): Dr. Junling Sun, PhD ’93; Jerri Malana ’86; and Emmy Sobiesky ’88. Photo by xavierbaileyphotography.

UC San Diego Alumni continued to break tradition by re-branding its annual Alumni Weekend with a comprehensive and integrated marketing campaign. A clean and modern palette reflective of the ocean-side campus helped to establish a core brand for the annual event across print, digital, owned and paid media, while a robust event line-up appealed to audiences of all ages and interests. Circle of Excellence Award judges commended the university for establishing a brand true to its identity while also highlighting the San Diego lifestyle and encouraging alumni to remember, connect and rediscover.