Ball State was honored Dec. 13 at the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V Conference in Chicago when staff members from university communications received the gold medal in the category of Best Annual Report for their work on the university's 2004 President's Report "How Do We Measure Excellence?" 

Those receiving the award were Susan Holloway, communications manager, and Ron McVey, graphic designer. Others involved in the project were Heather Shupp, executive director of university communications; Layne Cameron, media relations manager; Marissa Emerson, communications manager; Gwen Cobb Kousari, editorial services coordinator; John Huffer, coordinator of photographic services; and Michael Hickey, senior photographer. Additional photography was provided by freelance photographer Michael Mauer.

Holloway said the report was designed to tell the Ball State story by spotlighting achievements that are enabling the university to emerge as a national leader. The publication included an emphasis on outstanding Ball State programs and national rankings as well as alumni and donor pride, loyalty and support.

"We wanted to provide a dramatic means to highlight key recognition points and also to tell the compelling stories that illustrate those points," Holloway said.

McVey noted that the year-end report highlights the university's achievements during the previous academic year. The challenge is to convey that information in ways that are fresh and vibrant.

What came out of an early brainstorming session was a unique "pocket publication" that was inserted into the larger, more traditional President's Report.

"As far as the design aspect goes, what was interesting was how we packaged the two pieces together, and how the smaller piece could stand on its own," McVey said.

This smaller, high-impact publication features nine top recognition points and uses minimal text and dramatic photos and graphics to convey the message that Ball State is an emerging national leader. The piece was sent to university presidents and provosts across the country.

Holloway noted that the report has received a lot of positive attention and is in high demand among Ball State faculty, staff and friends.

"It was a pleasure to work on a creative project that reflects Ball State's excellence and to see such an enthusiastic response," she said.

CASE is the professional organization for advancement professionals at all levels who work in alumni relations, communications and development. CASE V, the Great Lakes District, encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and includes 462 member institutions and more than 2,500 representatives.