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St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards

Honoring excellence in Catholic collegiate media

The Catholic Media Association invites alumni magazines and students to enter the 2027 St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards.

St. Juan Diego is a symbol of evangelization and the messenger of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The awards that bear his name honor a wide range of journalistic skills and specialties, encouraging excellence and fostering a vibrant Catholic journalism community.

St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards

2026-2027 Competition Schedule

Both divisions follow the same timeline. Eligible work must have been published between January 1 and December 31, 2026.

  1. Submissions openNovember 2, 2026
  2. Regular deadlineJanuary 31, 202711:59 p.m. CT
  3. Late extensionFebruary 1 to 7, 202711:59 p.m. CT. Late fees apply to alumni magazine entries.
  4. Final payment deadlineFebruary 12, 2027Alumni magazine entries only. Student entries are free.
  5. Awards presentationJuly 16, 2027Catholic Media Conference, The Skirvin Hilton, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Two Divisions

Photo 1: Alumni Magazine Division

Alumni Magazine Division

For digital and print alumni magazines produced by Catholic colleges and universities. CMA membership is not required, but members receive lower entry fees.

  • CMA members: $38 per entry ($48 during the late extension)
  • Non-members: $79 per entry ($89 during the late extension)
  • Categories for writing, visual storytelling and overall publication
View Alumni Magazine Categories
Photo 2: Student Division

Student Division

For students enrolled full or part-time at an accredited Catholic college or university whose work appeared in a campus publication or website.

  • Free to enter
  • Up to 10 entries per student, with no limit per school
  • Professors and advisers may enter work on behalf of their students
View Student Categories

Why Enter

For alumni magazines

An award brings added recognition to your work and greater visibility for your university and alumni.

For students

Winners earn honors that strengthen résumés and portfolios and may open doors to internships while still in school. Judges evaluate each entry as if it were submitted to an editor or communications director, and every entry receives a constructive critique.

How winners are recognized

  • An award certificate
  • Acknowledgment at the Catholic Media Conference
  • A listing in the annual awards issue of The Catholic Journalist
  • A listing on the CMA Awards website
  • Optional promotion to more than 7,000 followers on CMA social media
Photo 3: Students at the Catholic Media Conference

Join Us at the Catholic Media Conference

Students and professors who enter the St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards are invited to attend workshop sessions at the 2027 Catholic Media Conference for a special rate of $199.

The conference takes place July 13 to 16, 2027, at The Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Transportation and lodging are not included.

Visit the Conference Website

Resources and Contact

Questions about the St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards? Email Awards@CatholicMediaAssociation.org.