CWU Publicity Center wins three categories at international competition

The Central Washington University Publicity Center took home three first-place awards in the annual “Steal This Idea” competition, hosted by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI).

Primarily focused on the work of those within the college unions and student activities field, ACUI strives to provide an inclusive, welcoming community for all.

The annual competition celebrates innovation in marketing solutions and design. The Publicity Center team won the multi-page publication, T-shirt, and poster categories, announced at ACUI’s annual conference in March.

“It was difficult to choose what to enter this year, as our creative team has consistently been putting out great work,” said Lola Gallagher, director of the Publicity Center. “These students are creating at a high level, and building competitive portfolios as they look beyond graduation. It’s especially gratifying to have received an award for HYPE, as we will be celebrating our publication’s 20^th anniversary this fall.”

The 2022-23 HYPE team—comprised of writers Emma CrowE, Sella Brown, Madi McAuliffe, and Emily David, led by Joanna Santana, and designers Sammie Flippin, Evan Brown, Annie Tran, Jaclyn Perry, Kyan Bauer, and Karly Heitman, led by Daniel Chiqui—earned first place in the professional multi-page publication category with their Winter 2023 edition of HYPE magazine. The quarterly publication provides the student body with an overview of upcoming activities and events on campus; this particular issue features a neon-drenched, vaporwave design that evokes the over-the-top aesthetic of the early 1990s.

Annie Tran’s design took first place in the student T-shirt category with its warm, inviting colors and cartoon-inspired take on a cheerful flame pulling off a skateboard trick. The design is featured on this year’s HYPE staff T-shirt, which team members wear to tabling events and other promotions.

Thea Batch took top honors in the student poster category for her work promoting the 2023 Student Fashion Show, an annual collaboration between the Student Fashion Association, CWU Theatre Arts, and CWU Apparel Textiles and Merchandising. The poster leans into the 2023 show’s theme, “Opulence,” showcasing a modern outfit billowing in the wind against a crisp blue sky.

The CWU Publicity Center supports and promotes on-campus events, activities, and organizations through bold, student-led designs and campaigns. The quarterly HYPE magazine is an essential resource for members of the CWU community, showcasing all that the school has to offer and telling stories that guide students through their journeys as Wildcats.