Five marketing, communication and development projects from UC Davis have earned international honors from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, or CASE.

The five Circle of Excellence awards — the most earned by any University of California institution — follow 38 awards UC Davis earned in regional CASE competition earlier this year.

The projects awarded Circle of Excellence awards were produced by staff from the offices of Strategic Communications, Graduate Studies, and Development and Alumni Relations.

Speaking on behalf of the Strategic Communications projects, Dana Topousis, chief marketing and communications officer, said: “The recognition from CASE continues to validate the high quality of our work and the talent of our department. It also confirms our commitment to sharing the impact our students, faculty, staff and alumni have on the region, state, country and world.”

UC Davis’ highest award came at the platinum level, where fewer than 10 awards were presented. More than 3,000 entries were submitted and institutions from 11 countries received Circle of Excellence awards.

"Our members once again have demonstrated their commitment to their organizations through their remarkable work,” Sue Cunningham, president and chief executive officer of CASE, said in a news release. “This year's award winners demonstrate creativity and strategy.”

The UC Davis Guardian Professions Program, which earned a platinum-level award,  offers assistance to former foster youth who want to pursue graduate degrees. It has helped more than 50 students earn admission to advanced degree programs, and the program has a high success rate: 85 percent of Guardian Professions Program scholars who apply to graduate schools are accepted. 

Read the full story on the UC Davis website.

About Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes 99 dynamic degree programs and a diverse and interactive student body from around the world. Known for our state-of-the-art research facilities, productive laboratories and progressive spirit – UC Davis offers collaborative and interdisciplinary curricula through graduate groups and designated emphasis options, bringing students and faculty of different academic disciplines together to address real-world challenges.

UC Davis graduate students and postdoctoral scholars become leaders in their fields: researchers, teachers, politicians, mentors and entrepreneurs. They go on to guide, define and impact change within our global community.

For information on Graduate Studies’ current strategic initiatives, visit the Graduate Studies strategic plan page.