SUNY Canton Public Relations Wins SUNYCUAD Awards for Excellence
Canton, NY (06/30/2025) — The SUNY Canton Office of Public Relations earned three awards for outstanding creative work this year from the SUNY Council for University Advancement (SUNYCUAD). The awards were presented at the organization's annual conference held in Rochester.
Director of Public Relations and Web Designer Travis G. Smith received a Best of Category award for Excellence in DEI Strategy for a campus light pole banner redesign project.
"We wanted our banners to accurately reflect our current diverse student population," said Smith. "We repurposed photos from our 'People Like Me' social media series where we highlight student achievements, and we aligned them with our campus values, such as inclusivity, innovation and excellence."
The banners were strategically placed in high-traffic areas and renovated spaces, such as the walkway between Roselle Plaza and French Hall.
"The entire banner collection not only celebrates college history and important benefactors, but also acknowledges our present and future," said Smith.
Senior Media Relations Manager and Photographer Gregory E. Kie received a SUNYCUAD judges' citation in the Excellence in Research Writing category for a press release titled "SUNY Canton Researchers Say Lightweight Concrete Homes Could Survive Wildfires."
The piece highlights award-winning student research into innovative fire-resistant concrete mixtures supported by fiberglass reinforcement materials.
Publications Coordinator Matthew J. Mulkin also received a judges' citation for Excellence in Magazine Design for the 2024 edition of "After Canton." The alumni publication's theme was diversity and featured articles about students, alumni and staff furthering the college's mission to create a welcoming, accessible environment.
"Greg and Matt did an outstanding job telling the SUNY Canton story to our alumni network and the general public through writing and design," noted Smith. "Entries for SUNYCUAD awards are always highly competitive, so it's a testament to their talent to once again be recognized for excellence."
The Office of Public Relations has previously earned SUNYCUAD awards for design, magazine production, video production, marketing, advertising, photography, website design and community relations.
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.
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The SUNY Canton Public Relations Office recently earned three awards for creative excellence from the SUNY Council for University Advancement, including a first place prize for a light pole banner redesign project.
SUNY Canton
Lorette Murray, murrayl@canton.edu, 315-386-7300Share this Story
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