UCAM celebrates industry awards

The University Communication and Marketing (UCAM) department has earned numerous awards of excellence during the past year, including the podcast, "It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science" (IPNRS), which was awarded Gold and Best in Show in the Tactics category at the Cumbre Awards, hosted by the New Mexico Public Relations Society of America (NMPRSA) at the Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque recently.

The Cumbre Awards ceremony recognizes communications professionals across New Mexico for excellence in successful public relations campaigns and tactics. UCAM was among those recognized bringing back some impressive hardware to campus.

Created and produced by UCAM, "It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science (IPNRS) is a podcast series that delves into intricate topical matters with fresh research influencing contemporary society. The podcast, which debuted in Sept. 2023, highlights UNM's esteemed faculty, known around the globe as some of the top researchers in their respective fields.

"This Best in Show award for 'It's (Probably ) Not Rocket Science' was a collaborative department-wide effort including communications, marketing, web services and social media," said Communication Director Steve Carr. "Congratulations and thank you to all team members, past and present, who bought into the idea, played a role, and contributed to bringing this award-winning tactic to fruition."

Podcasts offer a unique audio journalism technique, giving listeners a way to not only take part in an intimate conversation between the host and the guest but also allowing listeners to use their imagination to analyze the conversation, helping them understand the topic and, in this case, proving that "It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science."

"To have the extensive work we've done behind the scenes of It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science recognized as first-class by the state's public relations industry is a huge honor," said podcast host Carly Bowling. "One that simply would not be possible without the passionate faculty and students who've graciously shared their time and knowledge with us on the podcast. I'm so grateful to each and every person who has contributed to the show and everyone who has followed along as a listener."

UCAM has also been recognized on several fronts for marketing and creative work from The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), as part of the Circle of Excellence Awards and The University & College Designers Association (UCDA).

In 2024, the UCAM marketing team has earned high-level recognition for more than 20 projects winning three CASE Best of District IV awards including Cherry on Top: UNM Hot Air Balloon for student engagement initiatives as well as the Cherry on Top: UNM Hot Air Balloon pins and "Land of Achievement" shirts for specialty product design.

CASE District IV comprises more than 2,900 members from over 260 institutions from Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The Circle of Excellence awards showcase work in alumni relations, fundraising, communications, marketing and advancement services. Working professionals in CASE member universities, colleges, nonprofits and independent schools can submit for these awards. They are locally and globally judged across nearly 100 categories.

From UCDA, they were awarded a total of nine awards, including a gold award for a photo series of the UNM North Golf Course and silver awards for photo series of Cherry on Top's first ascension, 2024 Lobo Day and 2023 Silent Lights events.

The UCDA Design Awards Competition has spanned 20 years, recognizing top-tier designers and creators as part of their mission of design excellence and educational institution support. Judging is done by industry professionals who directly or indirectly work for educational institutions in creative roles, such as designers, photographers, illustrators, and design educators. Judges evaluated over 950 print and digital entries, with 219 awards presented in six competitions.