Awards and Rankings
November 13, 2025
How can we make University of Portland students excited to read about financial aid?
From that simple brainstorming question, the UP Creative Services team dreamed up and delivered an award-winning marketing piece—one of the University’s five Best of CASE District VIII honors for 2025.
The University’s Financial Aid Packet 2025, the creative work of writers and designers in UP Marketing, External Web Services, and Enrollment Management, won two major awards from CASE—the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. In addition to the Best of District honor, the financial aid packet scored a bronze award in the CASE Circle of Excellence, winning judges’ praise for “simplifying the complex topic of financial aid.”
“Our team took dated and practical materials and updated them with hand-drawn illustrations and student-centered design, making the materials easy to understand and user-friendly,” said UP Director of Creative Services Elizabeth Gilmore. “The end result is fun and delightful, supporting Pilot families in making informed financial decisions.”
UP Creative Services, led by Gilmore, designers Pat McDonald and Sophie Peterson, writers Danielle Centoni and Emily Nelson, and photographer Chris Brecht, share the awards podium with the University magazine, Portland, which earned four 2025 Best of CASE District VIII Writing Awards:
“We are over the moon about this recognition,” said Jessica Murphy Moo, editor of Portland magazine and director of storytelling in the University Relations division. “There are so many amazing stories to tell about what’s happening here at UP and about the alums who are out in the world. Our small and mighty team continues to share those stories at the highest level.”
Vice President for University Relations Greg Naleski added, "We are honored to receive this recognition from CASE. Through thoughtful storytelling, Portland Magazine reflects the energy, compassion, and innovation that defines the University of Portland today. This work continues to resonate with those who read the magazine."
The University’s five award-winning CASE entries emerged from nominations at colleges and universities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Western Canada.
“I join the University community in congratulating our exceptional design and storytelling colleagues on their tremendous achievements,” said President Robert D. Kelly. “These talented professionals do such wonderful work bringing the magic of UP to life on the pages of our magazine and via distinctive marketing pieces. We are thrilled, but not at all surprised, that CASE has honored their efforts.”
“Leading a team that continually produces work on par with creative agencies is truly inspiring,” said Austyn Smith, UP Assistant Vice President of Marketing. “Through visually appealing design and brand messaging, our talented designers and writers consistently amplify our value as a Catholic, Holy Cross institution.”
“It’s wonderful to see their work recognized year after year.”
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