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Alumni Magazines Division

Alumni Magazine Division

The St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards honor digital and print alumni magazines produced by Catholic colleges and universities.

An award brings added recognition to your work and greater visibility for your university and alumni. CMA membership is not required to enter, but members receive lower entry fees. For questions about membership, email Meg Plummer.

Submit Your Entries View Submission Instructions

Submission portal opens November 2, 2026.

Catholic Media Conference attendees

Eligibility

All alumni magazines

  • Publications must be produced by a Catholic college or university.
  • Digital and print publications are permitted.
  • Entries must be original work published between January 1 and December 31, 2026.

Additional rules for CMA members

  • Members receive lower entry fees.
  • Entries must be the original work of the member organization's staff or freelance contributors, or of a CMA Freelance Member.
  • Member dues must be paid by March 31, 2027, to be eligible for an award.
  • No refunds are offered after judging has been completed.

Entry Fees

Entrant Regular periodNovember 2, 2026, to January 31, 2027 Late extensionFebruary 1 to 7, 2027
CMA members $38 per entry $48 per entry
Non-members $79 per entry $89 per entry

All entry fees must be paid by February 12, 2027.

Categories

Writing and Storytelling

AM200: Best Feature Article

For compelling, narrative-driven stories that explore an individual, group, trend or event of general interest. Entries may include alumni, faculty or university-related themes. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

AM201: Best Profile

For insightful and well-crafted profiles of alumni, faculty or staff. Entries should offer a deeper understanding of the subject's achievements, character and connection to the university. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

AM202: Best Mission-Driven Story

For stories that reflect Catholic values or the university's mission, including themes of faith, service, justice, community impact or institutional history. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

AM203: Best Campus Culture Story

For stories that capture the vibrancy of student life, campus events, university traditions or community moments that reflect the spirit of the institution. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

AM204: Best Alumni Engagement Content

For content specifically designed to connect with alumni, such as class notes, alumni events, milestone achievements or opportunities for involvement. An entry consists of a PDF file or URL containing the pages where the content was published.

Visual and Multimedia

AM400: Best Story and Visual Package

For an article or feature that integrates writing and photography or graphics into a cohesive storytelling experience. Judging will consider both editorial and visual elements. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the pages on which the profile was published.

AM401: Best Photo

For a powerful, standalone image published in the magazine. Judging will consider composition, storytelling value and technical quality. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

AM402: Best Multimedia Content

For audio, video or digital-first storytelling projects. Eligible content may include podcasts, recorded interviews or video features published in conjunction with the alumni magazine. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

Overall Publication

AM500: Best Alumni Magazine

For overall excellence in editorial content, design, storytelling and mission alignment across multiple issues. Entry may include digital or print versions. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

AM501: Best Special or Commemorative Issue

For a single issue dedicated to a significant event or theme such as an anniversary, capital campaign or reunion. Judging will consider concept, execution and cohesiveness. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

AM502: Best Cover Design

For creative and visually compelling cover design. Entries should reflect strong visual impact and alignment with the university's identity or the issue's theme. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

Ready to Enter?

Submissions open November 2, 2026. Please review the rules and regulations before entering. Questions? Email Awards@CatholicMediaAssociation.org.