Penn College honored for marketing efforts by CUPRAP

Pennsylvania College of Technology earned accolades for two of its marketing efforts in the 18th annual CUPPIE Awards, sponsored by CUPRAP, an organization of communications professionals from colleges, universities and independent schools working in public relations, media relations, marketing, publications, sports information, web and graphic design, and more.

Penn College received a Gold CUPPIE Award in the Marketing/Advertising–Environmental Design category for environmental graphics displayed in the Public Relations & Marketing office suite, located on the third floor of the Davie Jane Gilmour Center.

The college earned a Bronze CUPPIE in the Digital Media–Audio (Radio/Podcast) category for its Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast, featuring episodes from Seasons 2 and 3, released in the spring and fall of 2024.

After spearheading the design and delivery of environmental graphics for key areas across campus, Public Relations & Marketing at Penn College turned its attention to the team’s home suite in 2024. The full-scale reimagination was designed and produced in-house with the help of the college’s General Services department.

Complete with a new brand-aligned paint scheme inside and out, the upgrades included: an exterior wall with mounted photos and dimensional lettering, an exterior office directory, an interior office wall with a mounted college seal on acrylic, three branded alcoves showcasing the college’s “brand pillars,” two TV screens demonstrating recent video work, mounted photos (taken by Public Relations & Marketing staff) throughout the interior, and an interior wall displaying the college’s “Future Made By Hand” brand promise.

To introduce the new space and welcome the college community, Public Relations & Marketing invited faculty and staff to an open house in Spring 2024. In addition to the permanent upgrades, the team created and mounted temporary ceiling signs that called out fun facts about the department’s contributions.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our creative team and more thankful for General Services’ partnership,” said Carlos Ramos, director of strategic marketing. “Together, they transformed our suite into a showcase of what’s possible across campus.”

The college’s podcast submission showcases Public Relations & Marketing’s mission to tell the diverse stories of real-life changemakers. Featuring faculty, staff, students, alumni and guests, Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast explores the unique nature of hands-on education and how a can-do mindset cultivates a dynamic community.

Notable entries for the year include close contenders for the most-listened-to episodes, both focusing on faculty, their paths to Penn College, and their work with students: “Jen Wahl & Gerry Kaplan: Hands-On Humanities” and “Chris Holley: The Road to Automotive.” The college also welcomed non-college-affiliated guests Lasada Pippen – a former computer engineer and cloud architect turned motivational speaker, who was guest speaker for First-Generation College Celebration Week – in “All Grit, No Quit”; and Dr. Kerry Magro – award-winning professional speaker, keynote speaker for the college’s Transition Conference, best-selling author and autism consultant to the HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher” and the latest season of Netflix’s Emmy-award winning series, “Love on the Spectrum U.S.” – in “Neurodiversity & Inclusion."

“We’re honored to be recognized by CUPRAP for the podcast,” said Ramos, who produces and co-hosts the episodes with Sumer A. Beatty, associate director of marketing communications. “It’s a testament to the impact of our faculty, staff, students and guests – and their stories.”

The 2025 CUPPIE Awards were presented at CUPRAP’s annual spring conference in Lancaster. Nearly 425 entries were received from colleges, universities, agencies, and providers of private, specialized and secondary education.

Judges for the competition are experts in the communications field, including designers, writers, educators, corporate executives and media professionals.

“It’s gratifying to receive recognition for our work from peer professionals,” said Joseph S. Yoder, associate vice president for public relations & marketing. “These award-winning efforts exemplify the body of work produced by the talented and creative staff in the department, whose overarching goal is to convey the unique Penn College experience to campus and beyond.”

Penn College, a special mission affiliate of Penn State, is a national leader in applied technology education. For more, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.