Columbia International University’s new magazine “CIU Today” is a “Gold” winner in the 2014 Collegiate Advertising Awards, sponsored by Creative Images Incorporated of Sylva, North Carolina. “CIU Today” took the top prize in the single magazine category for Faith-Based Colleges and Universities.

The Collegiate Advertising Awards recognize today’s most talented marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in all forms of advertising, marketing and promotion specific to higher education products and services. Entries are reviewed by a panel of experienced design and education marketing professionals, and are judged on: Creativity, Layout/Design, Typography, Production, Quality & Overall Effectiveness.

The winning entry, the October 2014 edition of “CIU Today,” was also the very first edition of the magazine which combines two former CIU publications: the in-depth features of “Connection” and the alumni updates of “Upward.”

 “CIU Today” Editor-in-Chief Bob Holmes says it is a special blessing to have the inaugural edition of the magazine recognized nationally.   

“I was quite surprised when we received the news,” Holmes said. “We were competing with other faith-based colleges and universities who publish quality magazines. I know because I’ve read some of them, and I’m impressed with their work.”

Holmes says the quality of the magazine “is a reflection of the hard work of many people, especially designer Seth Berry and Alumni Editor Peggy Lee Manoogian,” as well as a staff of CIU student writers and photographers who “work to produce professional-level quality.”  

“But most of all, the award is about Who we ultimately work for,” Holmes said. “I’m reminded of 1 Cor. 10:31.”

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

“CIU Today” is published three times each year: February, June and October, and is available online at: http://www.ciu.edu/publications/CIU%20Today/archive.