The AICUP Comm Awards
Communicating the value of higher education is critical. Communications Directors, Marketing Teams, Faculty and Staff alike are all storytellers — each one of us can influence a decision and change a life by helping students realize the benefits and purpose of a college education. In recognition of these efforts, awards will be given in each of these three categories:
1) Best Opinion: A published op-ed, opinion piece, or letter to the editor in a local or national paper or news website that conveys the value of a college degree in general and/or the value of independent nonprofit higher education in PA specifically.
2) Best Story: Published in a local or national paper or news website that conveys the value of a college degree in general and/or the value of independent nonprofit higher education in PA specifically. This may include any story published on a news platform that was written by a member of the college staff -OR- a story that was pitched by the college staff and written by a third party or journalist.
3) Best Social Media: A popular post, meme, or video produced by your team that conveys the value of a college degree in general and/or the value of independent nonprofit higher education in PA specifically.
Nominations for the 2027 AICUP Comm Awards are now open (deadline December 31, 2026). Entry forms are sent to AICUP members directly.
2026 Winners
Best Opinion
- First Place Winner: Widener University, President Stacey Robertson, PennLive, “Pennsylvania’s colleges deliver more than just degrees.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Manor College, President Jonathan Peri, “Reminding the Public that College Matters.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Misericordia University, President Daniel Myers, The Citizens Voice, “The best-kept secret about the cost of higher education.”
Best Story
- First Place Winner: Swarthmore College, Philadelphia Inquirer, “Swarthmore College leader warns endowment tax increase could deal a devastating blow.”
- Distinguished Communicator: York College of Pennsylvania, Fox43, “York College partners with Brown’s Orchards to revolutionize farming through drones and AI.”
- Distinguished Communicator: The University of Scranton, Scranton Times-Tribune, “Physicians pipeline: University of Scranton to GSOM a popular path.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Scranton Times-Tribune, “Physicians pipeline: University of Scranton to GSOM a popular path.”
Best Social Media
- First Place Winner: Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Instagram, “Student Spotlight: Nylo-Jeanette White.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Moravian University, Instagram, “3 seniors surprised with letters from their mentors.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Susquehanna University, Instagram, “3 seniors call their younger selves.”
2025 Winners
Best Opinion
- First Place Winner: La Salle University and President Daniel Allen, Philadelphia Inquirer, November 22, 2024: “Questionable Ratings.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Mercyhurst University and President Kathleen Getz, Erie-Times/Go Erie, March 14, 2024: “Pennsylvania’s private universities empower outcomes, student choice.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Allegheny College and President Ron Cole, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 7, 2024: “What colleges offer businesses that businesses need.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Marywood University and Sister Mary Persico (co-author Thomas P. Foley of AICUP), Scranton Times-Tribune, January 2, 2024: “A college degree is well worth the investment.”
Best Story
- First Place Winner: Carlow University, Inside Higher Ed, December 5, 2024: “Success Program Launch: Wraparound Support for Former Foster Youth, Homeless Students.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Elizabethtown College, July 24, 2024: “Momentum Program Continues Success of Positively Impacting First-Generation College Students”
- Distinguished Communicator: Saint Vincent College, September 10, 2024: “SVC student Julien Vonovier helps coach Switzerland to bronze medal at FIBA EuroBasket 2024” (story also appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Latrobe Bulletin, and NCAA News).
Best Social Media
- First Place Winner: Harrisburg University, Instagram, July 31, 2024: “Bradlee Metzger, an Environmental Science student at The Hill Farm.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Neumann University and student Ryen Hawkey, TikTok and YouTube video reel, April 9, 2024: “Advocacy Day at the Capitol.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Misericordia University and President Dan Myers, TikTok, January 30, 2024: “FAFSA update.”
- Distinguished Communicator: Elizabethtown College, Instagram, September 26, 2024: “Charter Day celebration.”