University of the Pacific is finding new ways to elevate student voices and share the diverse experiences that shape the student experience–and those efforts are earning awards.

The university received a Gold Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for “Journey to Pacific,” an interactive microsite that transformed the primary feature of the 2025 Pacific Magazine into an immersive “choose-your-own adventure,” highlighting students who took nontraditional paths to college. 

Explore Journey to Pacific: Many paths, one destination

This year’s Circle of Excellence Awards were especially competitive, with CASE receiving nearly 4,200 entries from institutions around the world and selecting just 493 award recipients.

The feature puts visitors in the role of a recent high school graduate embarking on their college search. As users progress through the experience, they make a series of choices that shape their individual journey while ultimately leading them to Pacific. Along the way, they meet the Pacific students highlighted in the original print feature, each sharing their personal story through video interviews created exclusively for the interactive experience.

Through the stories of 15 featured students and more than 10,400 possible pathways, the project reinforces a central message: regardless of the twists and turns life presents, anyone can find their place at Pacific.

"Journey to Pacific lets users hear directly from our students about what led them here—whether straight from high school, transferring from community college or returning to pursue a degree later in life," said Interim Chief Communications Officer Erica Hechtkopf. "It's an interactive way for prospective students to explore Pacific's programs while getting an authentic feel for the personalized education and sense of belonging that Pacific is known for.”

The microsite generated more than 1,000 video views, and visitors spent an average of more than five minutes exploring the experience—an exceptionally high level of engagement for a web-based feature.

CASE judges commended the work, saying: “This entry presents a thoughtful and well-executed interactive micro-site that effectively brings student storytelling to life through a “choose-your-own-adventure” format. The experience is aligned with a clear goal—to demonstrate that students from a range of backgrounds can find a place at the University of the Pacific.” 

Pacific’s Strategic Communications team also received honorable mention in the Ragan Communications and PR Daily Social Media Digital Awards 2026  as a finalist in the "Social Media Campaign" category for the Pacific Tiny Office Concert Series that launched this past year.

The series was a collaborative effort showcasing student musicians from the Conservatory of Music. Strategic Communications staff handled cinematography while conservatory faculty incorporated the audio engineering, mixing and editing into existing classwork. 

Additionally, the Strategic Communications digital team received a Ragan award for their work on the Pacific Interactive timeline, recognizing the team’s innovative digital storytelling commemorating the 100th anniversary of the university’s relocation to Stockton. 

Pacific also won several CASE District VII awards in November last year for excellence across print, digital and visual communications:

• Pacific State of Mind Photo Essay

The photo essay showcases the incredible places and opportunities Pacific students experience across California, from city streets to national parks.

• 100 Years in Stockton Interactive Timeline ** (National Gold Award)

This interactive timeline celebrates 100 years in Stockton by combining historic milestones, rich multimedia and alumni contributions into an engaging digital experience.

• Space to Explore

This feature showcases Pacific's world-class astronomy research and the rare opportunity for undergraduate students to work alongside faculty on groundbreaking discoveries.

• Pacific Magazine

The 132-page publication showcases Pacific through compelling stories, innovative design and exceptional photography. 

• SEO Strategy on Pacific Blog

The People of Pacific blog was reimagined with an SEO-first strategy to expand Pacific's reach and connect with prospective students through the questions they search online.

• Hidden Talents

This storytelling project celebrates the passions, interests and personalities of Pacific's community members, highlighting the people behind the roles and strengthening connections across campus.

• Pacific Magazine Cover

Created through months of archival research, the cover reflects Pacific's rich history while highlighting the innovative spirit that continues to define the university.

• A Century in Stockton (National Bronze Award)

This commemorative publication celebrates 100 years of Pacific in Stockton through a collection of original essays exploring the university's history, landscapes and campus community.

• Pacific Student Life Newsletter

This student newsletter brings together campus news, events and resources in one place, helping students stay informed and connected to the full university experience.

These recognitions highlight Pacific's continued investment in innovative storytelling that connects students, alumni and the campus community through authentic stories of the people and experiences that define the university.

Learn more about Pacific’s CASE recognitions over the years.