University Strategic Communications at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has recently been recognized with a bronze Circle of Excellence Award in the Magazines: Online category for their innovative digital version of Sombrilla Magazine. This new online platform was designed to provide an engaging and interactive experience for UTSA students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader UTSA community. By incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, podcasts, and photo galleries, the digital magazine complements the traditional print edition, offering a more dynamic and immersive reading experience.
One of the standout features of Sombrilla Magazine’s 2023 edition was the cover story titled „The Roadrunner’s Guide to the Galaxy,“ which also received a bronze Circle of Excellence Award in the Writing: Research, Medicine & Science category. This in-depth feature explores the groundbreaking scientific discoveries taking place at UTSA across various disciplines, including astronomy, geological sciences, and engineering. The article delves into the university’s contributions to space habitation research and highlights how UTSA is actively shaping the future space workforce. The story has not only garnered significant visibility and credibility for UTSA’s expertise in space-related research but has also led to the university’s invitation to join the prestigious Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
Teresa Niño, the vice president of university relations at UTSA, emphasized the role of University Relations in promoting awareness and recognition of UTSA’s innovative approach to education, research, and community engagement. She credited the team’s exceptional creativity and ability to engage audiences in a meaningful way that aligns with UTSA’s vision. The recent accolades from the CASE awards further solidify UTSA’s reputation for excellence in strategic communications and storytelling.
In addition to the Circle of Excellence Award, Sombrilla Magazine Online was also honored earlier this year with a silver American Advertising Award in the Online Interactive: Consumer Website category from the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation. These accolades underscore the success of UTSA’s efforts to leverage digital platforms and multimedia content to connect with their audience and showcase the university’s achievements and impact.
Overall, the recognition received by University Strategic Communications for their work on Sombrilla Magazine Online and the award-winning cover story highlights UTSA’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence in communication. By embracing new technologies and storytelling techniques, UTSA continues to elevate its brand and engage with its diverse community in meaningful ways.