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.
2025 Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 AICUP Comm Awards:
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 Original 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 Post
- 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.”
Now accepting entries for 2026
Nominations for the 2026 AICUP Comm Awards are now open. Entries published between January 1 and December 31 of 2025 are welcomed from all AICUP member colleges and universities. Click the link here to enter: https://forms.gle/MC4VfWxt9UXvqsgw9
Questions? Please email: gilbert [at] aicup.org