Best of CASE District VII Award
 

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Title of entry: State of Mind

About this entry: The UCLA College created its "State of Mind" online magazine to spotlight the research, ideas, creativity and real-world impact coming from both faculty and students across our community. By featuring faculty expertise alongside student research, we aim to show how mentorship, collaboration, and curiosity drive progress on campus and beyond. Ultimately, the goal of the College's Development Communications team was to present "a kaleidoscopic view of the ongoing, enduring impact of UCLA College thinkers, leaders and innovators."

With the entire team of five working together to create a variety of pieces, including student profiles, a quantum explainer video built around the story and voice of a doctoral student, an alumni video and profile about the alumnus creator of a perfume company, a long-form video and Q&A with a professor who studies friendship in conversation with current undergraduates about the topic, a podcast interviewing brain and mind researchers, a profile of a humanities professor studying language and reality, and some specially branded zoom backgrounds.

The overall goal--which this piece achieved greatly based on its social media impact and engagement--was to showcase our shared commitment to knowledge and impact. In creative, fun and engaging ways, "State of Mind" captures the intellectual energy of our community and demonstrates how ideas, when shared, can inspire action and meaningful change.