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WIU's Communications and Marketing team earned a Silver Award for its "Local Student" postcard series.
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WIU's Communications and Marketing team earned a Silver Award for its "Just Hired" social media marketing series.
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WIU's Communications and Marketing team earned a Bronze Award for its "Your Potential Unleashed" billboard design series.
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WIU Earns Three Collegiate Advertising Awards

April 9, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Building on recent recognition from the Educational Advertising Awards, the Western Illinois University Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions were once again honored—this time receiving multiple Collegiate Advertising Awards across three categories.

WIU was recognized with two Silver Awards and a Bronze Award for some of the work over the past year, combining the efforts of University Marketing and Undergraduate Admissions, with support from the Photography Design and Production office and University Television. University Marketing works with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to design and produce the University's recruitment publications each year.

"This recognition speaks volumes about the talent and dedication of our in-house team," said Alisha Looney, director of Communications and Marketing. "At WIU, we don't outsource—we collaborate across departments to create compelling, strategic content that resonates with prospective students and highlights the value of a WIU education. These national awards are a testament to the creativity, innovation and hard work our team brings to every project."

WIU's full list of recognition:


  • Silver Award - Direct Mail - Series: "Local Student Postcard Series"

  • Silver Award - Social Media Marketing - Series: "Just Hired"

  • Bronze Award - Billboard Design - Series: "Your Potential Unleashed"

"I am excited that WIU has won numerous awards for several years in a row," said Doug Freed, director of undergraduate admissions and enrollment services at WIU. "I am particularly thrilled that we have won across multiple media, as well, as the environment continues to change and there are an increasing number of messaging channels to be managed."

The Collegiate Advertising Awards recognize excellence in advertising, marketing and promotion efforts among educational institutions across the United States and Canada. Awards were issued for entries that received top marks from judges, placing them in the top 16% of the nation for advertising excellence. Judging criteria included creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal.

All winners are posted on the Collegiate Advertising Awards website at www.CollegiateAdAwards.com.

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing