Best of CASE District VII Award
 

Institution: Stanford University

Title of entry: Stanford Business Fall 2024 Cover

About this entry: The cover illustration for our story on academic freedom and healthy debate took a distinctive and thought-provoking approach by depicting tangled ribbons inscribed with words like "open discussion," "respect," "civility," and "spirited debate." This visual metaphor captured the dynamic and sometimes messy nature of free expression in the classroom—where diverse perspectives intertwine, challenge each other, and ultimately create a richer learning environment. Rather than relying on conventional imagery of debates or lectures, the design conveyed the complexity and nuance of discourse through an abstract yet evocative composition. The overlapping ribbons symbolized the delicate balance required to foster open dialogue while maintaining mutual respect, reinforcing the story’s core message in a visually compelling way.

Every cover of our magazine features a unique treatment with large text wrapping from the back to the front. This text acts as a whimsical table of contents, highlighting unusual or unexpected words from our stories, such as “Give ‘Em the Axe,” “Big Hairy Audacious Goal,” or “Crickets.”