UC Communications receives several University & College Designers Association awards
September 1, 2026 •
Several UCOP Communications projects recently received international recognition for design from the University & College Designers Association during its 2025 awards.
UCDA is the premier organization for design professionals working in higher education, and its annual awards program is highly competitive, recognizing outstanding creative work from colleges and universities across North America and beyond. Out of a pool of 776 entries, UC brought home six awards!
“These awards rightly recognize projects that align with UC’s core mission: helping prospective students navigate the admissions process, highlighting UC research and innovation, and building campaigns that bolster support for the University,” said Jorge Silva, associate vice president for Communications. “I’m proud of the UCOP Communications team for their continued efforts to find fresh, effective ways to reach people. This is a testament to the ingenuity and collaboration they bring to their work every day.”
Congratulations to the colleagues who produced this inspiring content. Explore the award-winning projects below.
UCDA Gold Award
UC admissions REACTS to TikTok application advice
Category: Video (Recruitment)
Team: Apollonia Morrill, Jess Wheelock, Raphaelle Steinzig, Zak Long
This video also won a Judge’s Choice Award by judge Erik Dunham, who wrote a wonderful note:
“This video is fantastic! The concept is timely, practical, and accessible. It takes advantage of the ‘reaction video’ trend on social media but does it in a way that isn’t cringy or condescending. It was made with intention instead of parody. Each segment is useful to a potential student. It also teaches digital media literacy! I was engaged for the entire 27 minutes. That’s an accomplishment in this time of 15-second algorithmic high-speed videos clamoring for our attention. Excellent work, UC Admissions!”
UCDA Silver Awards
Boldly Californian Postcards
Category: Print (Other)
Team: Jason Huang, Matt Glass
California’s new solar panels do MORE than generate power
Category: Video (Long Form)
Team: Jess Wheelock, Robyn Schelenz, Stephen McNally, Zak Long
UCDA Excellence Awards
Stand Up for UC campaign
Category: Integrated Marketing Campaign
Team: Apollonia Morrill, Erin Bricker, Jason Huang, Jason Schupp, Jess Wheelock, Jose Pantoja, Julia Busiek, Matt Glass, Rachel DeLetto, Rachel Porter, Raphaelle Steinzig, Robyn Schelenz, Sara Shaffer, Sarah Crowe, Sarah Oldenburg, Stephen McNally, Zak Long
Explore the Stand Up for UC campaign in Box
Boldly Californian Poster Series
Category: Out-of-Home & Environmental Graphics (Poster)
Team: Jason Huang, Matt Glass
California’s new solar panels just solved a HUGE problem
Category: Video (Short Form)
Team: Zak Long
Tags: communications, UCDA
View this post on Instagram
