CYPRESS : College Wins Awards for Marketing Efforts

The marketing office at Cypress College has captured two national awards for its work promoting the college.

The college won two Paragon Awards in a nationwide competition, sponsored by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, that honors the best in communications material produced by community colleges.

Out of nearly 1,200 entries in the newsletter category, Cypress College’s monthly newsletter, Cypress Scene, was singled out for a second-place award.

In addition, the college earned a third-place award in the promotion campaign category for its marketing of the college’s 25th anniversary.

“This is the most prestigious communications award that a community college marketing or public relations office can receive,” said Terri O’Connor, director of marketing at Cypress College. “I am thrilled that Cypress College received this honor.”

When O’Connor first came to Cypress College in 1990, it had a public information office but didn’t tackle advertising, marketing or publicity. “The idea of actively marketing a college is fairly new,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor attributes much of Cypress College’s marketing success to Liz Parker and Corey Albert, the office’s two editorial assistants. Parker, a graphic design expert, and Albert, who oversees story content, joined O’Connor 18 months ago.

Under the direction of the 25th anniversary task force, O’Connor and her staff have launched aggressive promotion campaigns, such as selling personalized watches, shirts and caps.

The money raised was used to underwrite such special events as an end-of-the-year gala for alumni, students and staff.

The college received the Paragon Awards during special ceremonies March 17 in Seattle.