AWC’s Marketing Team Shines Bright: National Recognition for Design Excellence
The Arizona Western College (AWC) Marketing and Communications team has just added another feather to its cap, achieving national acclaim in the realm of design excellence. This year, they proudly received not one, but two prestigious Paragon Awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), affirming their status as leaders in the industry.
Celebrating Excellence: The Paragon Awards
What Are the Paragon Awards?
The Paragon Awards are a hallmark of distinction, celebrating outstanding creativity and communication strategies among community and technical colleges across the United States. This year, the competition attracted a whopping 1,570 entries spanning 47 categories, showcasing the incredible talent and ingenuity embedded within these institutions.
A Stellar Performance by the AWC Team
At the forefront of this achievement are Senior Graphic Designer Michael Rose and Creative Director Luis Landeros, who clinched gold for their striking original photo. Meanwhile, Graphic Designer Andrea Saldaña captured a silver award for her captivating hand-drawn digital poster illustration. Their hard work demonstrates not just skill, but a sincere commitment to visual storytelling that resonates with their audience.
Regional Success Precedes National Recognition
The accolades don’t stop here; the marketing team previously triumphed at the regional level, earning 11 Medallion Awards from the NCMPR District 6 in November 2024. This earlier success laid a solid foundation, paving the way for their national recognition.
Insights from Leadership: A Culture of Creativity
“I’m incredibly proud of the team for their hard work,” said Luis Landeros. “Their talent and dedication continue to raise the bar, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the AWC marketing and communications team—a blend of creativity and unyielding commitment to excellence.
The Award-Winning Creations
The glory of their recent awards can be attributed to two standout entries:
- Original Photo by Michael Rose and Luis Landeros
- Hand-Drawn Digital Illustration by Andrea Saldaña
These pieces exemplify not just design prowess but also a keen understanding of the AWC brand and its mission.
Recognizing Leadership and Professional Growth
In a notable highlight, Michael Rose was also honored as a 2025 graduate of the NCMPR Leadership Institute, a rigorous 10-month professional development program. He joins fellow AWC leaders—Sarah Herman, Director of Content Strategy and Development, and Mandy Heil, Dean of Marketing—who have also completed this prestigious program. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that the AWC team remains at the forefront of innovative marketing practices.
Join the Celebration!
The winners were unveiled during the NCMPR 2025 National Conference, which took place from March 26–28 in New Orleans, Louisiana—a fitting backdrop for such a momentous occasion. As they bask in their well-deserved recognition, the AWC marketing team proves that dedication, creativity, and teamwork can indeed create ripples in the world of marketing.
For those in the industry, these accolades serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of creativity within marketing teams. Stay tuned to see what Arizona Western College’s innovative marketers will come up with next!
For more insights into effective marketing strategies and community engagement, you can explore NCMPR for more information about their initiatives and awards.
