Durham Tech marketing department wins national public relations award, four regional awards

The Durham Tech Marketing and Communications Department took the top prize for Fundraising Campaign in a national competition with peer institutions this week.

The submission won first place in the 2019 Paragon Awards, which recognizes outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges throughout North America.

This is the College’s first Paragon Award. In October, the College won four second-place awards in separate categories in the regional Medallion Awards District 2 competition, which included multiple states in the southeastern United States. Those awards included Poster Design, Microsite (Website) Design, Excellence in Writing, and Public Relations Campaign for Special Event or Fundraising.

Both competitions are organized through the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), and honors excellence exclusively among marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges.

This year’s competition drew 1,963 entries from 261 colleges across North America.

The submission featured Durham Tech’s Forge Great Futures fundraising campaign, which targets upgrades in learning spaces to meet today’s industry standards; the creation of integrated technology labs and new programs; and the expansion of scholarships and student aid, including stipends for work-based learning opportunities.

“The personal testimonials and use of multiple mediums to reach a broad audience were good, particularly the successful earned media efforts,” judges said in a commentary posted online Tuesday. “The case for support was well defined and donors could clearly see how their gifts would impact the school facilities, support students, and improve the workforce.”

The public relations campaign featured design work by Creative Services Manager Heather Remley, photography by Content and Social Media Coordinator Marcy Gardner, media and public relations work by Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator Stephanie Turner, website design by Web Design/Developer Liz Filipowski, and assistance from Durham Tech Foundation Executive Director Melissa Chappell.

“We’re very honored to be recognized by the NCMPR for our work on Forge Great Futures: The Campaign for Durham Tech,” said Nathan Hardin, Director of Marketing and Communications. “The Marketing and Communications department has an incredible team who are dedicated to supporting our College community and we’re proud that this award highlights that work.”

Following Durham Tech in the Fundraising Campaign category was Langara College (Canada) in second and Truckee Meadows Community College (Nevada) in third.

The Forge Great Futures campaign is nearing the conclusion of its $5 million goal and will conclude June 30, 2020. To learn more, visit www.durhamtech.edu/donate.