Staff members in Western Carolina University’s Office of Public Relations have been honored by a national higher education organization for their work in producing the university magazine and a video titled “What is a Catamount?”

The awards were presented as part of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s District III conference held Feb. 8-11 in Atlanta. CASE is the leading educational association for professionals in the field of institutional advancement.

WCU’s quarterly magazine, Western, was recognized with a Special Merit Award. One contest judge commented that the publication is “well-designed with interesting articles that show relevant work with broad appeal beyond the university campus.” Others took note of the quality of the photography and called the magazine “a great publication for an up-and-coming university!”

Bill Studenc, senior director of news services, is managing editor for the magazine, and Teresa Killian is associate editor. Rubae Schoen, director of publications, is art director, and John Balentine is lead designer. Mark Haskett is chief photographer. Other staff members are contributing writers, designers and photographers.

“What is a Catamount” also received a Special Merit Award from contest judges. Illustrating the highlights and accomplishments of 75 years of WCU athletics, the video was produced for “The Big Reveal,” an event held to unveil a new version of the university athletics logo.

The video was edited and produced by John Kenyon, videographer and video editor in the Office of Public Relations. Other contributors included Jim Rowell, former director of WCU’s Public Relations office, who served as consultant and historical adviser; Steve White, former university sports information director, who served as narrator and historical adviser; and faculty member Don Connelly, who provided the opening narration.

“What a terrific show of extraordinary skill by Western Carolina’s Public Relations team!” said Clifton Metcalf, vice chancellor for advancement and external affairs. “Awards at this level – in competition with the best public and private universities of all sizes throughout the southeastern United States – are very difficult to earn. All of us in the Western Carolina family – on campus and among our alumni and friends everywhere – can be proud of the entire team and its work.”

CASE District III advances and supports educational and professional institutions in the southeastern states by enhancing the effectiveness of the alumni relations, fundraising, communications and marketing professionals who serve them.

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Last modified: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009