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.
Now accepting entries for 2026
Nominations for the 2026 AICUP Comm Awards are now open (deadline January 16, 2026). 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
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.”