CFANS Communications Team recognized by University peers
Four CFANS projects receive five awards at the University of Minnesota Communicators Forum annual conference.
June 10, 2026
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Communications Team took home major honors at the annual University of Minnesota Communicators Forum (UMCF) conference last week.
The UMCF awards are presented each summer to recognize the absolute best of the University’s communications and marketing projects. Among the honors are the Maroon and Gold Awards, which celebrate work exemplifying the University's core values—with Maroon awards recognizing outstanding efforts and Gold awards honoring the "best of the best." The team also clinched a coveted UBRAND Award, given annually for the most exceptional use of the University of Minnesota’s iconic branding.
CFANS hauled in a total of four Maroon awards and the UBRAND award across video, writing, digital, and campaign categories.
Award-Winning Projects
Gopher It! CFANS at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
- Awards: UBRAND Award and Maroon Award
- Category: Campaign, Series, or Event
- Contributors: Aimee L. Gillespie, Meredith Dwyer, Lori Fligge, Elizabeth Kastner, Tim Loesch, Jeff Thompson, and FableVision Studios
- Read the news story, review the State Fair exhibit and save the date for the 2026 State Fair!
Campus Curiosities: Soil Judging Team
- Award: Maroon Award
- Category: Video
- Contributors: Austin Rimer, Jeff Thompson
- Read the news story and watch the video on YouTube.
CFANS Connections Newsletter for Alumni, Partners and Community
- Award: Maroon Award
- Category: Writing
- Contributors: Mary Buschette, Lori Fligge, Elizabeth Kaestner
- Review past issues of the newsletter and sign up to receive next month's issue.
CFANS Student Worker Social Media Campaign
- Award: Maroon Award
- Category: Digital
- Contributors: Laura Dotson, Meredith Dwyer, Lori Fligge, Aimee L. Gillespie, Elizabeth Kaestner, Austin Rimer, Louisa Smith, Jeffrey Thompson
- Read the news story, review the social media campaign, and follow CFANS on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
