The Early Bird website and multiple RED features earned honors from the Public Relations Society of America Colorado this month, highlighting Metropolitan State University of Denver’s continued commitment to high-quality, data-driven communications.
The University Communications and Marketing team received six Gold Pick Awards at a PRSA ceremony this month, including a Grand Gold Pick recognizing the organization’s highest-scoring entry of the year.
The award haul continues a long run of recognition for the University’s storytelling, media relations, website, marketing, advertising and internal communications work, which has earned dozens of industry honors over the past five years.
RED, the University’s official online newsroom, and the Early Bird, an employee-focused news platform, are at the heart of a nationally recognized communications approach that emphasizes authentic storytelling.
“RED and the Early Bird shine because of the ideas and collaboration we receive from faculty and staff members across campus and, of course, because there are so many incredible stories to tell,” said John Arnold, senior director of communications. “Sharing our story is truly a Universitywide team effort.”
This year’s PRSA awards include:
The Early Bird – Gold Pick Awards for best digital platform and best website
UCM, which launched a redesigned Early Bird website a year ago, earned two Gold Pick Awards for best digital platform and best website for transforming its employee newsletter into a dynamic, user-friendly employee-news platform.
Cannabis leadership – Gold Pick Award for best feature story
“MSU Denver aims to help Colorado reclaim its status in the cannabis industry” earned a Gold Pick Award in the Feature Stories category. Written by Keylen Villagrana with photography by student employee Josh Geurink, the April 4, 2024, feature announced the launch of two new cannabis certificates in the School of Hospitality, designed to professionalize the industry and position MSU Denver as a leader in cannabis education.
UCM staff members Amanda Schwengel and Laura Miller represented the team at the PRSA Colorado awards ceremony Aug. 6. Photo by Megan Boeder
College and happiness – Gold Pick Award for best feature story
The feature story “Does a college degree make you happier?,” which appeared in RED and RED Magazine, earned a Gold Pick Award in the Feature Stories category. Written by Michael Haederle, a freelance journalist and regular RED contributor, the Jan. 5, 2024, piece offered timely thought leadership on the value of higher education amid declining public confidence.
Simulating the future of health care – Gold Pick Award for best feature story and Grand Gold Pick Award for highest overall score
Written by Cory Phare, the Aug. 19, 2024, feature story “Sim Labs pave the way for the future of health care” spotlighted the University’s new state-of-the-art Simulation Labs, designed to train future nurses, EMTs and other health care professionals while addressing Colorado’s critical workforce shortage.
