Armstrong State University recently won the Grand Award for Best Fundraising Publication, in recognition of the university’s Legacy of Light Soccer Campaign, at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Southeast District III Conference in Orlando, Fla. Armstrong’s Public Relations Manager Melanie Simón accepted the award on behalf of the university at a special awards banquet on Feb. 16.
 
The Legacy of Light Soccer Campaign print publication, which was created in-house by Armstrong’s marketing team, raised funds to add lights to Armstrong’s existing soccer field. A partnership between the university’s Office of Advancement, Athletics Department and Marketing and Communications Department, the piece was designed by Michael Lowe, written by Allison Hersh and features photography by Katherine Arntzen.
 
In addition to the Grand Award, Armstrong also received a Special Merit Award for Best Marketing/Branding Video, in recognition of the university’s Start Strong commercials shot, directed and produced by Armstrong manager of production Bruce Habersham. The concepts for the commercials were developed by Armstrong’s Creative Team, which comprised of individuals from various departments across the university.
 
“It is truly an honor to receive this level of recognition for our marketing efforts,” said Armstrong President Linda M. Bleicken. “Since laying the foundation with our Start Strong campaign, we have built a powerful, consistent brand that appeals to our target audiences, from prospective students to alumni.”
 
In 2015, Armstrong’s Marketing and Communications Department won the CASE Grand Award for Best Branding/Identity Campaign in recognition of the Start Strong campaign and earned an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Ad Campaign. In 2012, Armstrong won the CASE District III Special Merit Award for Overall Web Site Design and Implementation.
 
Armstrong’s marketing department includes Katherine Arntzen, Bruce Habersham, Allison Hersh, Wes Johnson, Michael Lowe, Brittany McClure, Brandon Royal, Melanie Simón and Janice Stanford.
 
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a professional association serving educational institutions and the advancement professionals who work on their behalf in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing and allied areas. CASE helps its members build stronger relationships with their alumni and donors, raise funds for campus projects, produce recruitment materials, market their institutions to prospective students, diversify the profession and foster public support of education.

CASE District III advances and supports educational and professional institutions in the southeastern United States by enhancing the effectiveness of the alumni relations, fund raising, communications, marketing and other advancement professionals who serve them.