The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) presented Mary Baldwin University with a grand award last week for its Ever Ahead website, edging out the University of Miami and Barry University for top recognition for a fundraising website or microsite.
Mary Baldwin debuted the site on October 18 to coincide with the launch of the public phase of Ever Ahead: The Campaign for Mary Baldwin University. In addition to establishing a brand for the fundraising effort, producing a video, and designing attractive print materials, the Office of Communication, Marketing and Public Affairs (CoMPA) was also tasked with helping the Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) create a microsite that would inform potential donors of the good work of the campaign, capture the spirit of Mary Baldwin, and inspire giving.
The website provides an overview of the campaign’s mission, explains how the $80 million fundraising effort has already resulted in positive change on campus, illustrates the benefits of continued fundraising, and creates an easy path for giving.
“I am tremendously proud of the entire team — CoMPA staff together with (Advancement Writer) Amanda Minix and her colleagues in IA,” said Crista Cabe, vice president for public relations. “This CASE award recognizes an intensely collaborative achievement. The Ever Ahead website was the culmination of several interconnected projects; everyone on the team contributed something essential. It’s gratifying that our creative team has been recognized on a broader stage.”
To date, Ever Ahead: The Campaign for Mary Baldwin University has generated $62.4 million toward its $80 million goal.
“We are on track to reach our overall fundraising goal, and we appreciate the support from our generous and loyal donor base,” said Dan Layman, associate vice president for IA. The number of first-time donors is on the rise, according to IA, and unrestricted giving participation rates have steadily risen 3.5 percent since 2009, countering national trends for public and private institutions of higher education.
Boldly Baldwin, the Mary Baldwin magazine, also garnered recognition at the CASE awards, earning a special merit award in the magazine/tabloid improvement category for institutions with fewer than 5,000 full-time employees.