Guilford’s Advancement & Alumni Relations Office received two Circle of Excellence awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the Guilford Madness giving campaign in 2023.

The College won a Grand Gold Award in the “Videos on a Shoestring” category for the Guilford Madness video that supported the reimagined, three-day spring campaign – coinciding with the NCAA basketball playoffs – to inspire giving from a range of Guilfordians. View the video.

Contest judges commented, “We felt the video was creative and fun and generated excitement for their target audience. They did an excellent job explaining the purpose of the video, and we agreed that we did not feel overwhelmed when watching it.”

Guilford won a Gold Award in the “Annual/Regular Giving Campaigns” category (10-25 staff) for the Guilford Madness campaign that was conducted last year. The campaign resulted in more than 1,000 gifts totaling $235,000, an increase over previous one-day campaigns.

Contest judges commented, “(It was) a very well-executed and creative approach for a giving campaign. Great marketing and tie to March Madness.”

Key contributors to the video and campaign were Stephanie Walton, Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations, Deana Marshall, Accounting Manager, and Sarah Seguin ’22, Annual Giving Coordinator.

CASE is a global nonprofit association including more than 3,000 colleges, universities and independent elementary and secondary schools. It is dedicated to educational advancement — alumni relations, communications, development, marketing and advancement services.

The organization conducts an awards program at the international and district levels. This year volunteer judges from CASE’s membership selected 486 exemplary entries for Circle of Excellence bronze, silver, gold and grand gold recognition. 

Guilford has won CASE awards at international and district levels in previous years.