News

AWC Marketing & Communications honored with multiple NCMPR accolades

November 25, 2024

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Yuma, AZ (November 25, 2024) – Earlier this month, the Arizona Western College Marketing & Communications team returned from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 6 conference in Tucson, AZ with multiple awards for their innovative efforts to promote higher education in Yuma and La Paz counties.

In total, the team received 11 Medallion Awards for creative designs and concepts in videography, photography, graphic design, social media, and campaigns. The conference recognized outstanding achievement in communications by marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Territory of Guam.

“I’m so proud of this team. They are incredibly talented and bring passion to their work every day,” commented Dean of Marketing and Communications Mandy Heil. “Being recognized by a national organization like NCMPR reinforces that we’re not just on the right track; we’re setting a standard for excellence in our field.”

In addition to Medallion Awards, members of the staff were honored for their achievements. Director of Content Strategy and Development Sarah Herman was named Communicator of the Year and AWC Entrepreneurial College Director of Marketing Travis Mitchell was named the 2024 Rising Star for District 6. They will attend the NCMPR National Conference in New Orleans, LA this March to compete for their respective titles at a national level.

“I am deeply honored to receive the District 6 Communicator of the Year award from the NCMPR,” shared Herman. “This past year has been one of growth, creativity, and connection — from leading our new enrollment campaign to engaging with peers through the NCMPR Leadership Institute and District 6 Executive Council. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but the incredible support and collaboration of my team and the inspiring colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.”

“It's an honor to be recognized as this year’s Rising Star for NCMPR District 6,” Mitchell said. “Being part of the award-winning Marketing and Communications team at AWC has been an inspiring experience, and I’m constantly motivated by the talent and passion of my colleagues. This recognition fuels my commitment to continue learning, developing, and contributing to the success of our team and the institution.”

Gold Awards
AWC Viewbook (Print) 
     -    Credit: Luis Landeros, Creative Director
Graduation 2024: We are Western. We are Transforming Lives. (Video) 
     -    Credit: Camary Newman, Videographer and Sarah Herman, Director of Content Strategy and Development
Somos Western. Somos Familia. (Video) 
     -    Credit: Camary Newman and Sarah Herman
Catrina and Catrine Contest (Photo) 
     -    Credit: Michael Rose, Senior Graphic Designer and Luis Landeros
AWC Community Band Presents: The Nutcracker (Poster)
     -    Credit: Andrea Saldaña, Graphic Designer
Desert Critters Tote Bag
     -    Credit: Andrea Saldaña

Silver Awards
Marketing Calendar (Print)
     -    Credit: Gabriela Reyna, Graphic Designer
Instagram: @ArizonaWestern
     -    Credit: Sarah Herman and Student Marketing Assistants Lizbeth Sarabia and Carissa Romero
Coach John Stratton Hall of Fame Induction (Video)
     -    Credit: Camary Newman
We are Western. (Campaign)
     -    Credit: Sarah Herman, Luis Landeros, Camary Newman, Mandy Heil, and Monica Galvez, Campus Photographer

Bronze Awards
Red, White, and Blue Law Enforcement Graduation (Photo)
     -    Credit: Monica Galvez
La Tiendita and Matador Merch Storefront (Signage)
     -    Credit: Luis Landeros

Awards and honors were announced on November 7th at the NCMPR District 6 Conference “New Inspiration in the Old Pueblo” in Tucson, AZ. 

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About NCMPR
The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations provides professional growth for those working in marketing and communication at community and technical colleges. With a focus on learning, networking and advocacy, NCMPR helps members become better at their jobs and supports two-year colleges in their mission to promote student success. NCMPR has more than 1,600 members from nearly 600 colleges across the United States and Canada.

Contact: 
Mandy Heil
Dean of Marketing and Communications 
Arizona Western College
mandy.heil@azwestern.edu   
(928) 314-9594