College of Arts and Sciences Marketing Team Takes Home Four American Marketing Association Sandie Awards
The American Marketing Association of San Diego recently recognized the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) marketing team at the University of San Diego with four bronze honors at the annual Sandie Awards. The event spotlights creative and innovative marketing campaigns and projects across San Diego. CAS marketing received awards within multiple categories, including Social Media, Public Relations and Digital Marketing.
The Arts & Sciences magazine became instrumental in building a distinct identity for the college since its first issue in 2023. Now in production with its fourth edition, the magazine highlights the interconnectedness of a liberal arts education and illustrates genuine USD experiences through its engagement with students, faculty and alumni. Arts & Sciences magazine received the bronze award in the Public Relations: In-House category, for its impactful visual designs and liberal arts-centered narratives.
The magazine was developed by CAS Creative Manager Tanya Aubin '24 (MA) and Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Michelle Kennedy, MA. Through its illustrative storytelling, the magazine features the college's wide range of departments and programs, including the Honors Program and pre-health advising. By spotlighting students, faculty and the college’s unique offerings, the magazine presents CAS as the university’s center for intellectual exploration through the Core Curriculum and interdisciplinary studies. Each issue includes articles written and edited by CAS Digital Content Manager Gaby Ortiz Flores (MA), faculty and students, which enhances the storytelling.
The CAS marketing team also received a bronze award in the social media category for the Honors Program social media campaign. The project highlights the research aspect of the program and aims to further immerse USD students in a rigorous, yet constructive academic environment. The campaign helped revitalize the Honors Program’s image by correcting false stigmas, such as the belief that the program is only reserved for the smartest students or limits connections with students outside of the program. The video produced, as part of the campaign, provides informative content for both current and prospective students.
The My CAS Story video series received a bronze award in the Student Project Digital Marketing: Group category for communication major and CAS Social Media Manager Kristiana Phillips and visual arts major and CAS Graphic Designer Bella Stone. The series was produced to enhance the CAS social media strategy. Episodes follow the experiences of USD faculty and students with in-depth storytelling and personal anecdotes.
The series was filmed, produced and edited by Kristiana Phillips and animated by Bella Stone. The emphasis on strong visuals and authentic perspectives invites viewers to further resonate with the series content. The series aims to showcase not only the structure of the liberal arts education but also how students grow and benefit from the curriculum.
Kristiana Phillips also received the bronze award in the Student Project Digital Marketing: Individual category for her USD Pre-Veterinary Club video. Phillips wanted to help increase membership in the Pre-Vet Club by producing a video informing audiences of the experiential opportunities the club presents, how students can join and why students outside of the pre-vet track would be interested in joining. Phillips wanted to blend her creative style with the San Diego Zoo’s marketing style. The video included genuine reactions between club members and the zoo animals at San Diego’s Zoo Safari Park and incorporated natural sounds to create a more immersive viewing experience.
The CAS marketing team creates immersive and impactful content, aimed at providing authentic depictions of life within the college. The Sandie Awards they received reflect the dedication of the team to highlight CAS voices and experiences, leaving them beyond grateful for the recognition.