Lane Community College Achieves National Recognition in Public Relations and Marketing Excellence

EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College (LCC) proudly announces its recognition in several prestigious national awards, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in marketing and public relations.

LCC brought home two esteemed Paragon Awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), announced March 15. Specifically, Lane received silver in the college recruitment or marketing campaign category for its “Level Up at Lane” campaign and bronze for best poster, single or series designed by students in the college’s Design and Media Center. The NCMPR Paragon Awards recognize the best in design and communication at community and technical colleges nationwide, with LCC's entries standing out among more than 1,500 such campaigns and projects from 240 community and technical colleges in the United States.

"It’s an honor to see our efforts celebrated on such prestigious platforms,” said Executive Director of External Affairs Brett Rowlett. “This is not just a win for our team but a testament to the collaborative culture and forward-thinking approach that define Lane Community College. We are inspired to continue pushing the boundaries and elevating our standards in marketing and communications.”

Additionally, LCC has been named a finalist for the esteemed Silver Anvil Awards by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in the category of Integrated Communications. This nomination places LCC among the elite of strategic public relations campaigns, marking a significant achievement given the Silver Anvil Awards' reputation for celebrating 80 years of public relations and communications excellence. Entries were received across 89 categories, and included agencies Finn Partners, FleishmanHillard, Ketchum, and Padilla, as well as such leading brands as Planned Parenthood, Delta and United Airlines, Aflac, McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, the U.S. Navy and The Library of Congress. According to the database of previous winners, no community college has received recognition in this category. 

The Silver Anvil Awards recognize the pinnacle of professional skill, creativity, and resourcefulness, with finalists showcasing exceptional strategic thinking and execution. Entries are analyzed and peer reviewed as part of the judging process. The panel of judges is assembled from experts across the communications community, including C-suite executives, academics and seasoned practitioners. Winners and placements will be announced at the Anvil Awards Ceremony in May 2024.

In addition, LCC has also been honored with a Gold Award at the 39th Annual Educational Advertising Awards (EduADAwards) for its outstanding performance in social media campaigns. This achievement highlights LCC's innovative approach to engaging with its community and prospective students, distinguishing the college in the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country. With more than 2,000 entries from institutions across the United States and abroad, LCC's gold award showcases its excellence in advertising and marketing within the education sector.

At LCC, the oversight of marketing efforts are provided by Brett Rowlett, Executive Director of External Affairs, with Rebecca Long, Director of Marketing and Strategic Communication, leading the charge in strategic direction and executing these initiatives. The web team, featuring Kyle Schmidt and Claire Graman, has been central to this success with their technical and creative prowess. Their exceptional contributions underscore LCC's commitment to outstanding digital communication and forward-thinking marketing strategies, playing a critical role in the college's recognition and accolades. The marketing program works in close partnership with the campus Design and Media Center, staffed by graphic design students under the direction of faculty Tom Madison in the Media Arts department.

"Our team's success is rooted in our collaborative approach and our shared vision for excellence,” said Long. “These recognitions reinforce our commitment to setting the standard for higher education marketing and communication. I am honored to work alongside such talented individuals who are dedicated to advancing our college's mission."

These accolades highlight LCC's leadership in the field of educational marketing and public relations, showcasing its ability to execute strategic, creative, and impactful campaigns. As LCC continues to set the standard for excellence, it remains dedicated to fostering an environment of learning and growth that is accessible to all.