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Home ― News ― ‘ONLY DSU’s’ admission materials win marketing awards

‘ONLY DSU’s’ admission materials win marketing awards

January 3, 2017

“Only DSU” has a unique set of degree programs designed around two focuses, the signature mission of technology, and the heritage mission of education.

“Only DSU” also has award-winning admissions marketing material.

Epicosity, the Sioux Falls-based marketing company who designed those admission materials, won 2016 MarCom Awards for two DSU products. They won a platinum award for the “DSU Only” Viewbook, and a gold award for the “DSU Only” folder.

MarCom Awards are an international competition for print, visual, audio and web materials and programs, says their website. Every year, about 6,000 entries are submitted by companies and individuals in 320 categories.

Amber Schmidt, assistant director of admissions at DSU, said Epicosity was asked for “creative designs that would attract teenagers.” The Viewbook and folder, given out to prospective students at college fairs and on campus, are modern and “techy,” “not your typical marketing material.”

Because of the variety in DSU’s majors and activities, the university can be difficult to market, Schmidt said. The Admissions Office provided the university’s basic information and logistics, and Epicosity’s team came up with ways to show that “There’s no one way to get from point A to point B at DSU,” the Viewbook reads. “There are always forks in the road for you to pick your own brilliant and quirky pathway.”

“They did a great job,” Schmidt said. While it is not the first time that DSU Admissions materials have won awards, “It reaffirms the creativity.”

Cheryl Elbers, client relations director with Epicosity, said the business appreciated the opportunity to work with an institution like DSU.

“The vast variety within DSU’s student body makes for a compelling and unique subject around which to developing marketing creative. This was evident in the finished product and a huge reason…why it was recognized by the MarCom Awards.”

She added that one of the company’s web developers, John Eining, is a DSU alumnus.

Epicosity won 16 awards for marketing materials for a variety of clients, including the state Department of Health, Department of Social Services, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, Voyage Federal Credit Union, the Orthopedic Institute and South Dakota Lions Foundation.

They have also been listed on the Inc., 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for two years in a row.