Best of CASE District I Award
 

Institution: University of Rhode Island

Title of entry: University of Rhode Island Magazine

About this entry: We see the University of Rhode Island Magazine as a gift that lands in mailboxes and inboxes three times a year. We work hard to create and publish a lively array of stories and images that make readers feel connected and proud to be part of this community.

Our readership is our 140,000 alumni, plus the URI community (students, staff, faculty, donors, friends, legislators, etc.). We publish (print and digital) 3x/year—spring, summer, fall. Our goal is to inform, entertain, and foster credibility and goodwill. We want readers to feel proud of URI, learn and connect with the intellectual life of the university, and become advocates for URI.

Reader feedback has been substantial, usually positive, occasionally not. But responses show engagement. We often receive reader letters that expand on magazine content, adding perspective or new information—those are our favorites.

Of the spring 2023 issue, a 1959 alum wrote, “Thank you for the marvelous issue of the URI alumni magazine. The layout on each page is visually attractive. Moreover, it is easy and enticing to read. The cover, too, is sensational … Bravo!” And a 2020 alum wrote, "I am so impressed by the spring issue of URI Magazine. Loved sharing it with my family and fellow alumni." Same compliment, two generations.

Our summer 2023 issue elicited more feedback than any other issue to date. A 1999 alum wrote, "This issue was so enjoyable. Interesting and informative articles, personal stories, and the artwork and look of the magazine are excellent."