Miami University received six honors in the 2024 Circle of Excellence Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), including a Gold distinction in the video category of Student Audience (Short).

The Circle of Excellence Awards showcase outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, fundraising, and marketing. The awards are open to CASE member colleges, universities, independent schools, and their affiliated nonprofits from around the world.

There were 4,223 global entries for the 2024 Circle of Excellence Awards, with 486 winners selected by a panel of 440 judges. Members of Miami’s Communications and Marketing (UCM), Advancement, and Finance and Business Services departments were among those honored.

“Exploring Miami University: A Toddler’s Instagram Takeover” received Gold for its “unique and catchy approach to showcasing the college experience,” according to remarks from the judges. Produced by Miami’s UCM digital team, the Instagram video was a way to engage prospective students and their families in a non-traditional way.

Miami also received Silver Awards in the categories of Podcasts (Frequent) and Videos on a Shoestring (Promotional), as well as Bronze Awards for Environmental Graphics, Writing: Profile (1,000+ Words), and Writing: Column or Opinion Piece.

2024 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards

Gold: Video – Student Audience (Short)

• The project: Exploring Miami University: A Toddler’s Instagram Takeover
• From the judges: “This video takes a unique and catchy approach to showcasing the college experience. The comparison between a student and a toddler, highlighting their shared priorities of having fun, eating, and napping, is brilliant and engaging. The simple concept is elevated to a new level. We loved how this creative storytelling brings a fresh perspective to the college experience.”

Silver: Communications – Podcasts (Frequent)

• The project: Major Insight: Find Your Place and Purpose on Campus
• From the judges: “It is always refreshing to have student voices exploring interesting campus-life topics. This creative and new approach for a podcast – for students by students – felt authentic. The podcast knew its audience and provided a service to the community. Resource allocation was also impressive – a good use of existing infrastructure.”

Silver: Video – Videos on a Shoestring (Promotional)

• The project: When Hippo Met Watermelon: Miami University’s Viral Moment Wins Hearts
• From the judges: “The engagement numbers are incredibly impressive. This visually stunning piece showcases a genuine moment with the world-famous hippo in a creative and captivating way. It's a shining example of innovative and outside-the-box thinking, and it paid off in a big way. The authenticity and creativity on display are awesome.”

Bronze: Writing – Column or Opinion Piece

• The project: She Says Rizz. I Say What?
• From the judges: “We agreed this was a fun column and one that all their alumni readers, regardless of age, could enjoy. It's a very appropriate and engaging editor's note for an alumni magazine.”

Bronze: Writing – Profile (1,000+ words)

• The project: The Yoshi Tomoyasu Story
• From the judges: “A beautiful, comprehensively told story. We appreciated the writer's effort to involve students in the story and the overall theme of resilience.”

Bronze: Design – Environmental Graphics

• The project: Illustrating Innovation: Bell Tower Graphics
• From the judges: “The illustrations are fantastic, offering captivating storytelling elements across the walls. Serving as a subtle yet effective backdrop, they skillfully incorporated campus landmarks, creating a space that resonates with students. The minimal color palette and consistent line art ensure that the visuals will age well, contributing to the contemporary feel of the campus dining space.”