WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (December 2, 2024) — Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Marketing and Communications Department has won five prestigious 2024 Best of District VI awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. CASE awards recognize institutions that set the bar for excellence in alumni relations, fundraising, advancement services, special events, and marketing and communications. The winning projects include the following:
Alumni Wall — Environmental Graphics
When DMU constructed a new campus, the university wanted it to reflect its history, pride, and mission. The Alumni Wall, located just off the main entrance in the Edge of Advancement building, encompasses just that. The wall focuses on four main themes that make up DMU — leadership, progress, inclusivity, and tradition. Full-color photography fills each panel and follows the chronological history of the university. The interactive screens are the star of this show, offering engaging content for everyone to explore that celebrates alumni, donors, history, and honors. The wall faces the full glass exterior windows and can be viewed by those driving by.
Admissions Pop-Up Card — Promotional Publications
The pop-up card is both bold and traditional. It invites potential students to interview with the university, providing a "wow" factor upon opening. The message on the front, "Welcome to the start of something big" will look familiar to students who interview on campus, as it reflects the messaging near the wall of the admissions office. When opened, a three-dimensional DMU letterform pops up from the middle of the card.
Admissions DMU Bound Brochure — Promotional Publications
This dynamic gate-fold brochure is sent to prospective students in the mail to inform them they have been admitted to DMU. After reading the congratulations message on the front, the brochure unfolds with a short message regarding next steps and a QR code to scan and learn more. Unfolded once more, recipients see a large, stunning photo of the state-of-the-art campus at 8025 Grand Ave. The message "I'm Proud to Be #DMUBOUND" is across the photo and creates excitement and hope that the student will snap a picture to showcase their enthusiasm.
The Radias' — Story Fundraising and Stewardship
This heartwarming video tribute to 1981 alumna Mary A Radia and her husband Suku, long-time supporters of DMU, was created for DMU's 2023 Glanton Event. The Radia's dedication and philanthropy resonate deeply with the DMU community, reflecting the impactful legacy of alumni support. The couple's journey inspires viewers to join in their commitment to health-care education and community betterment. Watch the Radias' story here.
DMU Built It — Promotional
This video celebrated DMU's new campus and served as a save-the-date for its special grand opening event. It blends nostalgia and excitement, mirroring the emotions of moving an entire school from an old location to the new. Students in the video donned white coats and emerged from a neighboring cornfield, a nod to the classic movie set in Iowa, "Field of Dreams." The video sparked excitement among students, prospective students and alumni across social media platforms. Watch the video here.
"This is an amazing recognition of DMU's Marketing and Communications Department's drive to be the best in the industry," says Stephanie Greiner, vice president of university advancement and alumni relations. "It's a true testament to the teams' creativity and teamwork. I am so proud of their hard work and dedication to continuing to advance DMU."
