MassBay Community College Makes History with Gold Paragon Award for Inclusive T-Shirt Design
MassBay Community College’s Marketing and Communications Office has boldly stepped into the spotlight by winning the 2024 Gold Paragon Award for its innovative American Sign Language (ASL) T-shirt. This prestigious honor was bestowed by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) during their recent national conference in New Orleans. The Paragon Awards celebrate the best in marketing, communications, and design across the nation, showcasing the creativity and commitment that institutions like MassBay bring to the table.
A Vision of Inclusion and Awareness
The winning T-shirt design was the brainchild of Lisa Dunn, a passionate member of the MassBay Admissions staff who is Deaf. Her inspiration stemmed from a desire to not only promote inclusion but also to elevate the visibility of the Deaf community. Lisa expressed, “It was important to show the students and the wider community that MassBay is a place where everyone belongs.”
Through the design, Lisa aimed to reflect the essence of MassBay’s commitment to inclusivity. The T-shirt features “MassBay” spelled out in ASL on the front, an ASL “I love you” sign on one sleeve, and the MassBay logo on the other, making it a powerful symbol of community and connection.
Celebrating a Historic Achievement
This award marks MassBay’s first-ever Paragon Award, an achievement that reflects not only the creativity of its team but also the college’s dedication to its core values. Jeremy Solomon, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Marketing and Communications, enthusiastically stated, “We are thrilled to receive our college’s first-ever national marketing award, especially for a work product that is reflective of MassBay’s values.” The T-shirt represents a collaborative effort within the MassBay community, showcasing the synergy between various departments.
Recognizing Excellence in Education Marketing
The NCMPR 2024 Paragon Awards received an impressive 1,570 entries from 205 colleges across the United States. Judged by a panel of 59 industry professionals, the awards highlight the best practices in marketing and public relations within educational institutions. This year’s announcement coincided with NCMPR’s 50th anniversary celebration, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
Giving Back to the Community
MassBay is excited to announce that they are now taking orders for the impactful T-shirt. 100% of the proceeds from each sale will benefit the Nathan Persampieri Scholarship Fund. Established by Nathan, a former MassBay student and an advocate for individuals with disabilities, this fund seeks to support students on their educational journeys. As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of living with disabilities, Nathan’s initiative aims to give back to the community that nurtured him and to empower future generations.
The T-shirts retail for $25 and can be ordered here.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
The success of this initiative is attributed to the hard work of the Marketing & Communications team at MassBay, which includes:
- Jeremy Solomon – Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Marketing and Communications
- Liz Cooper – Associate Director of Public Relations
- Stephen Fisher – Associate Director of Marketing
- Deni Budd – Marketing Project Manager
- Wendy Walsh – Web Developer
- Nate Principato – Graphic Designer
- Ashanty Valentin – Marketing Content Strategist
Conclusion: A Beacon of Inclusivity
Through this recognition, MassBay Community College not only showcases its marketing prowess but also cements its reputation as a leader in fostering inclusivity. The American Sign Language T-shirt serves as a reminder that education is for everyone, and through collaborative efforts, we can create environments where all individuals feel valued and empowered. Join MassBay in celebrating this milestone and support their commitment to inclusivity by ordering your T-shirt today!
