2010-2011

News Release

REF NO.: 203

SUBJECT: Memorial University nabs three provincial awards for communications excellence

DATE: May 19, 2011

Memorial University has been recognized for excellence by the provincial chapter of an international business communicators association.
Three recent publications, created by the university’s Division of Marketing and Communications in collaboration with the institutional offices responsible for research and student recruitment, have been awarded Pinnacle Awards by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The news comes on the heels of the recent awarding of three 2011 Gold Quill Awards to Memorial by the international office of the same organization. The winning entries represent excellence in organizational communication and their work plans serve as best practices for professional communicators across communication disciplines on a global scale.
University representatives accepted the provincial IABC Pinnacle Awards at a ceremony in St. John’s May 18 in recognition of their work for best in business communications in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Shining, Memorial’s 2010 research report, was presented with an Award of Merit in both the photography and publication design categories. A Zagger’s Guide to Memorial University, the university’s signature recruitment publication, also won an Award of Merit in the category for brochures and special publications.
The Shining used movie titles as an entrée to the specialized worlds of Memorial’s research “stars” and describes some of the significant university research projects of 2009-10.
Dr. Bev Diamond, Canada Research Chair in Traditional Music/Ethnomusicology, channeled Julie Andrews on a hilltop for “The Sound of Music” in a story about her receipt of a prestigious Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship; Dr. Dale Corbett, Canada Research Chair in Stroke and Neuroplasticity, showcased his research on repairing brain damage caused by a stroke in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
 “Memorial is a place where researchers are encouraged to apply their creativity and new ideas to important issues and questions. In turn, we are always seeking new and inspired ways to tell the story about Memorial and the research it is leading,” said Dr. Christopher Loomis, vice-president (research). “The Shining’s success, both here and internationally, reflects the positive feedback we’ve received from our alumni, friends and research partners, and our growing reputation as a place where excellence and creativity flourish.”
A Zagger’s Guide to Memorial University, the 2010-11 undergraduate student recruitment viewbook, was developed using a new creative concept. The aesthetic and name provided an engaging and irreverent approach to presenting Memorial to youthful adventure seekers, using visuals and language that would be appealing to this demographic.
“It’s an honour for our team to be recognized with a Pinnacle Award,” said Shona Perry-Maidment, director, Office of Student Recruitment. “One of the goals of redesigning A Zagger’s Guide to Memorial University, our main recruitment publication, was to set ourselves apart from other universities. We have definitely achieved that goal and raised the bar to a whole new level.”
“These IABC awards are just another example of the recognition being accorded to marketing and communications professionals in this province for their excellence, creativity and ingenuity,” added Victoria Collins, executive director, Division of Marketing and Communications. “Here at Memorial we are very fortunate to have both the creative individuals who develop these award-winning materials and strategies, and the visionary leaders who support the development of new and innovative programs for sharing the valuable work of our faculty, staff and students. It really is a special combination that is helping the university achieve the goals of greater public awareness and engagement.”
The IABC is an international network of communications professionals. There are 15,000 members in more than 80 countries.

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