When we redesigned this magazine a year ago, we reimagined it on a new scale, literally and figuratively—a place of greater breadth and depth, for stories big and small.
Goal numero uno: something better for you as readers. Stellar work in these pages also draws recognition from around the country and the world. And since we last met, your magazine has brought in more awards than any time in its 35-year history.
Best in the West: a pair of MAGGIE Awards—for the best magazine published by a nonprofit or association, and the best design for any consumer magazine period with a circulation above 75,000. Presented by the Western Publishing Association in Los Angeles in May, the MAGGIEs have a 65-year history and recognize the best in publishing west of the Mississippi.
Best Jesuit Mag: a gold medal for the best magazine at any Jesuit university in the country. The Jesuit Advancement Association presented the award in July. Also honored: the SCU Alumni Association for the Young Alumni Soiree; and the critical work by colleagues in communication during the meningitis crisis this past winter. Read more about it in the main feature in this edition.
National Gold: six medals, including a pair of golds, from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education—announced in Washington, D.C., in June. The winners: best mag with a circulation over 75,000; best design; best cover (Fall 2015); editorial design and illustration for “Change the Game” (Fall 2015), written by John Farnsworthwith illustrations by Emiliano Ponzi; and writing for “The Green Knight” by Christine Long Brunkhorst ’83—her tribute to beloved teacher Ted Rynes, S.J.
Silver Design: six awards, including a couple silver medals, from the University College and Design Association—in the premier design competition in education. Honors: best mag design, best cover (Fall 2015), and illustrations by Emiliano Ponzi (Fall 2015) and Anna+Elena=Balbusso for the essay “Dr. Jerome” (Spring 2016) by David DeCosse.
Digital Silver: In March, our digital edition earned a silver medal from the western region of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The print mag earned a bronze.
International Merit Badge: The Society of Publication Designers (SPD), a big dog in the design world, honored us in May with an award of merit for “Silicon Valley Story” (Spring/Summer 2015) by Michael S. Malone ’75, MBA ’77with illustrations by Brian Stauffer. We’re now part of the 51st SPD Design Annual, a key resource for pro publication designers around the world. Fellow SPD competitors include Wired, Esquire, and New York magazine.
It’s been a good season. While publishing awards are a bit of inside baseball, they draw attention to the lively thinking and creativity and tremendous work and athletic brilliance that animates this place. And speaking of baseball, this Chicago-born editor can’t help but hope: This could be the year.