The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences was recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s (CASE) annual Circle of Excellence awards, announced Wednesday.
The Note in the Coat campaign earned a Silver award in the Targeted Campaigns & Appeals category in the annual competition, which is open to universities, colleges and independent institutions throughout the world. The Note in the Coat campaign gave alumni the opportunity to sponsor the cost of the white coats for incoming pharmacy students and write a note encouraging them as they began their educational journey. These notes were provided to the students on the day they received their white coats.
With around 80 students matriculating in the fall of 2022 for the Doctor of Pharmacy program, the goal was to have each coat sponsored and for each of the students to receive a note from an alumnus.
“The Note in the Coat campaign allowed our alumni to give back in a tangible and meaningful way while also allowing them to reminisce on why they entered the profession and serve the communities that they serve,” said Will Bratton, CPHS director of advancement and the organizer of the campaign. “I look forward to establishing the Note in the Coat campaign as a memorable tradition and expanding to additional academic programs this year.”
In addition to the Campbell Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2022 donating their class funds to this project, an additional 75 alumni donors gave to the Note in the Coat campaign far surpassing the goal of coats needed. For more than 31 percent of alumni donors who gave to this project, this was their first gift back to their alma mater. An additional 20 percent had not given in the past 10 years. Alumni donors from 10 different states participated in the Note in the Coat campaign.
Circle of Excellence judges noted that the campaign was unique and shared that “the innovative approach displayed a deep understanding of the campus community and its values, paving the way for a meaningful and enduring impact.”
CASE’s Circle of Excellence Awards are the premier recognition program for educational advancement. These peer-selected and adjudicated awards honor colleges, universities, and schools worldwide whose talented staff have advanced their institutions with resourcefulness and ingenuity.
This year, there were 4,021 entries submitted from 583 institutions and more than 27 countries. Judges selected 521 exemplary entries for recognition. Winners are recognized for overall quality, innovation, use of resources, and the impact on the institution or its communities, such as alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff.