Celebrating Excellence in Higher Education Communications

CUPPIE Awards

Since 2005, CUPRAP has recognized the creative excellence of our membership through our CUPPIE Awards, recognizing work in digital media, executive communications, marketing & advertising, outreach, print, public relations, visual communications & design, writing, and "wild card," for those projects that seem to defy categorization. The competition is judged by industry professionals with no vested interest in the institutions or the submitted work.

2027 Award recipients will be honored during the March 22-24, 2027 CUPRAP Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where we’ll spotlight the talent, innovation, and impact of our member institutions.



Check back for the 2027 submission timeline.

Arthur V. Ciervo Award

CUPRAP’s Arthur V. Ciervo Award is one of the organization’s highest honors, recognizing a public relations professional, college or university president, higher education advocate, public official, or distinguished faculty or staff member who exemplifies CUPRAP’s fundamental purposes of supporting and advancing the understanding of higher education. The award is named in honor of Arthur V. Ciervo, founder and first president of CUPRAP.

The 2026 Arthur V. Ciervo Award was presented to Marjorie Hass, President of the Council of Independent Colleges, on March 11, in Lancaster, PA.

Don Hale Award

Awarded annually, the Don Hale Award recognizes a CUPRAP member whose sustained contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the organization. This honor celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in service to CUPRAP—through leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, and a deep commitment to strengthening the community and advancing its work.

The award is named in honor of Don Hale, CUPRAP’s second president and longtime steward of the organization’s voice, who served as editor of its newsletter for more than 20 years. His legacy of dedication, consistency, and care for the profession continues to inspire those who receive this recognition.

The 2026 Don Hale Award was presented to Amanda Drumm, Duquesne University, on March 12, 2026 in Lancaster, PA.

Joseph W. Donovan Rising Star Award

The Joseph W. Donovan Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging professional who demonstrates exceptional promise in the higher education communications field. Renamed in 2015 in honor of Joseph W. Donovan, former CUPRAP president and a beloved mentor to many, the award celebrates individuals who reflect his legacy of generosity, integrity, humor, and clarity in their work and relationships.

Throughout his career, Mr. Donovan was known for encouraging and uplifting early-career professionals, offering both guidance and genuine support. This award carries that spirit forward, honoring rising professionals who embody not only strong communication skills but also a commitment to collegiality, professionalism, and the broader CUPRAP community.

Eligible recipients are under 40 and have worked in higher education for fewer than 5 years. In addition to a commemorative award, the recipient receives a scholarship in the form of complimentary registration to attend the annual CUPRAP Spring Conference.

The 2026 Joseph W. Donovan Award was presented by Michael Donovan to Sam Sorrell, La Salle University, on March 12, 2026, in Lancaster, PA.

CUPRAP Student Catalyst Fellowship

To support the entry of traditionally underrepresented professionals into marketing and communication professions, CUPRAP is proud to offer the CUPRAP Student Catalyst Fellowship. This award is designed to recognize promise and potential in writing, social media engagement, video and audio production, graphic design, journalism, and related fields.

In alignment with CUPRAP’s mission to advance the understanding of higher education and to strengthen the professional development of our field, eligible applicants include students who self-identify as minority, LGBTQ+, or first-generation and who are enrolled at an accredited institution with CUPRAP member representation. By supporting individuals whose perspectives have been underrepresented in our field, we help ensure that the stories our institutions tell are more inclusive, resonant, and reflective of our broader communities.

The successful applicant will receive a one-time, $2,500 award and complimentary registration to the CUPRAP Spring Conference in the year the award is granted. Selection of a recipient is based upon an applicant’s academic performance, communication skills, and creativity.

Read about the 2026 CUPRAP Student Catalyst Fellow, Sekou Cherif.