2005 Mardi Gras Messaging Campaign Wins Award -- University E-Newsletter Also a Winner

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- The Cal Poly Public Affairs office recently captured two awards at the District VII regional conference of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the international association of professionals working to advance educational institutions.

In competition with other public and private universities, colleges and schools in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii, the group received a silver award for Best Public or Government Relations Campaign for its efforts to promote safety during the 2005 Mardi Gras weekend.

The information campaign was developed in collaboration with the City of San Luis Obispo, Cuesta College, and local public relations firm Barnett Cox & Associates.

"It's great to have our efforts acknowledged by our peer institutions, and we are happy to share credit for the Mardi Gras campaign award with the City, Cuesta College, and Barnett Cox," said Cal Poly Public Affairs Director Leah Kolt.

"The campaign was a true town-gown effort that proved good results can be achieved when our students, the Cuesta College and Cal Poly administrations, and the City all work together for the public good," she added.

Cal Poly also received a bronze award for its online newsletter, "Cal Poly Update," which is distributed monthly to over 40,000 alumni, donors and other university supporters. The publication was designed and is edited by media relations coordinator Teresa Hendrix.

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