Best of CASE District V Award
 

Institution: Miami University

Title of entry: Giving Tribute: Then and Now

About this entry: The revamped Giving Tribute publication strengthens Miami University’s connection with donors by illustrating the impact of philanthropy through a modernized design and storytelling approach. The goal was to enhance readability, engagement, and alignment with Miami’s broader communication strategy.

After assessing past issues and gathering stakeholder feedback, we implemented key improvements:

- Modernized design with improved typography, high-quality imagery, and a cleaner layout.
- Stronger storytelling featuring compelling donor and student stories for a more personal, emotional connection.
- Enhanced user experience with better formatting, clearer calls to action, and digital integration (QR codes, web links).
- Refined thematic structure highlighting philanthropy’s impact on students, faculty, and university initiatives.

Implementation:
We redesigned the visual identity to align with Miami’s brand, refined the editorial strategy to focus on in-depth donor and student profiles, and improved content organization with subheadings, pull quotes, and infographics for easier reading. Digital enhancements encourage continued engagement beyond print.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with readers praising its improved readability, engaging storytelling, and deeper emotional resonance. The publication now serves as a more effective donor stewardship and alumni engagement tool, reinforcing Miami University’s culture of philanthropy.