University Earns Several Advertising Awards, Including Accolades for Instagram & Alumni Magazine

The University’s marketing efforts certainly aren’t going unnoticed, recently earning nine awards in the annual Collegiate Advertising Awards (in the schools with 5,001 to 10,000 students) as well as recognition from the Connecticut Art Directors Club for our Alumni Magazine.

Also being commended? The ongoing efforts behind the popular Instagram account of our very own President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D.

Launching the @UNewHavenPresident account on Instagram earned the top honor in the Collegiate Advertising Awards in the category for Social Media Marketing (Series) at a school with 5,001-10,000 students.

“This kind of recognition not only spotlights the creativity and strategy behind our content but also shines a light on the incredible things happening every day at the University,” said Laura Norris, one of the talented creators behind the University’s social media presence, most notably Instagram and TikTok.

Norris, who is also a graphic designer in the University’s Office of Marketing & Communication, helps lead a team of student content creators who brainstorm, organize, gather, edit, and, ultimately, hit “post” on the University’s Instagram and TikTok accounts. They also help President Frederiksen’s growing presence on Instagram.

“This account shows that our community is bigger than just those who are on campus each semester—it’s made up of students, alumni, prospective Chargers, faculty and staff, families, and so many others,” Norris added. “It’s so exciting to see the ‘shares’ or how someone connects with a video by the comment they post.”

When it comes to filming with President Frederiksen, the goal is to create content that feels authentic to him as president, but also as an individual.

“When he talks with you, you’re hit with insight, humor, compassion, and genuine interest, and we want that to come across through the screen,” Norris said, adding that President Frederiksen “has become a bit of a campus celebrity, especially with all of his side quests.”

It’s the sense of connection to not only those who are currently on campus, but also to future students, long-time alumni, and others, that drives the creative direction behind the posts.

“We like to think we have the best job, and laugh a lot behind the scenes,” Norris added.

Another top accolade went to our Alumni Magazine.

In fact, two magazine issues received recognition. Our Spring/Summer 2024 issue earned a bronze award from the Collegiate Advertising Awards, and the Winter 2025 issue received the Excellence Award from the Connecticut Art Directors Club.

“Any recognition the Alumni Magazine receives is first and foremost a testament to the caliber and achievements of UNewHaven and our University community,” said Elizabeth Rodgers, editor-in-chief of the Alumni Magazine. “The magazine itself is a beautiful communication vehicle, but it’s the real-life stories of the alumni, students, faculty, staff, and loyal benefactors who are out there in the world doing their part to make a difference that populate the pages of each issue.”

With all the growth the University has seen in its 100-plus years of existence, Rodgers noted how the Alumni Magazine is a perfect medium to shine the spotlight on how the institution continues to grow and evolve.

“This is really our North Star as we outline content each issue,” Rodgers said. “What’s the overarching story we’re looking to tell, and what are all the various puzzle pieces that create this whole? It’s all connected, and it’s a University story that we want every single reader to see themselves in and take part in.”