RU Staff Copywriter, Sara Myers, Receives 1st Place in Statewide Writing Contest04/24/2023 10:14 am
By Andrea V. Watson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Rockford University’s Marketing and Communications copywriter, Sara Myers, has been writing and editing for most of her life. That passion and love of storytelling was recently acknowledged when she received a prestigious writing award last month for an article she published in the Beloit Daily News.
Prior to joining RU, Myers worked as a reporter with the Adams Publishing Group, who owns Beloit Daily News. Her story, “Closing the ‘Boyfriend Loophole’ in Gun Law May Impact Domestic Violence,” received First Place in the “Localized National Story” category of the 2022 Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s (WNA) Foundation Better Newspaper Contest. Learn more about her award here.
The judges’ comments were:
“Really great job of presenting the data in a way that is simple to understand. This story was well-researched and incredibly well-written. Although guns being used in homicides more often than any other weapon seems obvious, the writer does a great job of including statistics to drive home the point. Using the local cases along with statewide data really localizes the national issue for the reader. This could be a textbook example for the category. Also, the compelling quote at the end resonates well. Excellent choice for the ending.”
“I was very surprised to hear I won this award,” Myers said. “I want to thank the judges for giving me this honor and thank them for their kind words. I also want to thank my family, friends, past editors (especially Clint Wolf of Beloit Daily News), colleagues, college professors and my boyfriend, Ian for supporting me and my career.”
Myers is a Rockford, Ill. native who said she grew up knowing she wanted to write professionally.
“At the age 14 I was inspired to go into the journalism field after reading magazines like Rolling Stone and Alternative Press,” she said.
Myers attended schools in the Winnebago School District and graduated from Winnebago High School in May of 2013. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin with her B.S. in Media Studies, with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in Public Relations.
Her resume includes an Editor-In-Chief position for her college’s newspaper, a radio DJ, and both editor and multimedia editor roles. Myers has written news and feature articles, as well as produced video content for both editorial and marketing projects.
When she’s not writing professionally, Myers said she enjoys writing songs and poetry. She also spends her free time attending concerts with friends or her boyfriend Ian. Besides loving and listening to music, Myers said she loves spending time with her dog Pearl, and friends and family, especially her new niece, Georgia, who turned 1 in February.
12/14/2022 4:29 pm
07/29/2021 11:01 am
Not enough permissions to view this content.
08/13/2019 4:13 pm
| Standard Projects | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep | Printing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertisement (paid) | 16-19 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | N/A |
| Banner/Sign | 24-27 days | 8 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Brochure (tri-fold, no die cuts or perforations) | 36-39 days | 20 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Direct Mail/Postcard | 31-34 days | 15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Event Program or Multi-page Booklet (standard binding, no die cuts or embellished printing techniques) |
26-29 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Note cards/Invitations with Envelopes (no die cuts or embellished printing techniques) |
26-29 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 10 days |
| Poster/Flyer (no die cuts or embellished printing techniques) |
21-24 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 5 days |
| Complex Projects | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep | Printing |
| Brochure (non-traditional folds, die cuts and/or perforations) |
44-47 days | 25 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
| Direct Mail pieces/Postcards (series of) |
44-47 days | 25 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
| Event Program or Multi-page Booklet (non-traditional binding, die cuts and/or embellished printing techniques) |
34-37 days | 15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
| Note cards/Invitations with Envelopes (die cuts and/or embellished printing techniques) |
34-37 days | 15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day | 13 days |
| Standard Project | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Email Communication (on campus) |
10-13 days | 5 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Social Media | 8-11 days | 3 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Webpage Edit (small change) | 7-10 days | 2 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Complex Project | Total Business Days | Writing & Design* | Internal Proof | Final Approval | File Prep |
| Email Communication (off campus) |
15-18 days | 10 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Videography | 36-49 days | 30-40 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 1 day |
| Website Content (create/layout new content for 1-3 pages) |
15-23 days | 10-15 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | N/A |
| Total Business Days | Scheduling | Upload | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Photographer (budget required) |
12-13 days | 10 days | 2-3 days |
| Campus Photographer | 7-8 days | 5 days | 2-3 days |
| Total Business Days | Writing | Internal Proof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media (Press Release) | 7-8 days | 6-7 days | 1 days |
*If needed and upon receiving content, outlines or information.
08/13/2019 3:55 pm
Not enough permissions to view this content.
11/02/2018 2:53 pm
The Marketing and Communications department works with our colleagues across campus to aggregate, curate, and steward the Rockford University brand.
Per the Rockford University Brand Standards Guide, any marketing projects intended for off-campus audiences must be reviewed and approved by the Marketing department before distribution.
The official logo of Rockford University represents our entire institution and is the foundation of our visual brand identity. Because our logo is central to our identity, its integrity and value is of upmost importance. Therefore, the following guidelines must be followed in order for our institution to receive strong brand recognition throughout the world.
The Marketing department uses two main typefaces in marketing materials: Akzidenz-Grotesk and Bebas Neue. Bebas Neue is reserved for headlines and subheadings, while Akzidenz-Grotesk (regular weight) is used for copy and bodies of text.
Because not every department on campus has access to Bebas Neue or Akzidenz-Grotesk, the following options for fonts are acceptable.
Our primary colors are Purple (Pantone 2104) and White. However, we also have an extended palette of secondary colors to use throughout our Rock Solid marketing campaign. When printing materials, please use the CMYK color codes. RGB and Web color codes may be used for online and electronic materials. In order to build a consistent brand presence for the University, it is imperative that only approved colors are used whenever presenting the Rockford University logo; the logo may only be used in Purple (Pantone 266 or CMYK 79, 90, 0, 0), White, or Black.
One of our most powerful tools to communicate our brand is our use of images. We strive to create compelling, emotional, and authentic images for all of our marketing pieces. Our use of imagery is strategic and connects our advertising collateral to each other. Throughout the academic year, the Marketing department will schedule photo shoots of students, employees, and alumni.
In addition, we will also utilize photos taken by departments and other individuals from our campus community. A photo and video release form is located on the Marketing page of the Rockford University Portal site. Please use it to obtain permission from people, both on campus and off campus, who are subjects of any pictures you or your department take. Once the form is signed, please send it to the Marketing department, so we can archive it in our files.
We have a gallery of general campus photos for our campus partners.
Marketing & Communications
Rockford University
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Communications@rockford.edu
11/02/2018 2:52 pm
The Marketing and Communications department works with our colleagues across campus to aggregate, curate, and steward the Rockford University brand and elevate the contributions of our campus community to both internal and external audiences, including students, faculty and staff, trustees, donors, the media and the general public.
As your strategic marketing partner, we provide our campus community with a variety of services. Our in-house team of creative professionals will work with you to tailor our services to help you in the most cost-effective, efficient, and convenient manner.
Submit your events at the link below to publish them on the public-facing campus events calendar.
Marketing and Communications is here to promote your events and news to the local media via press releases. Please send your press release request up to four weeks in advance. Press releases will be sent 1-2 times and posted on the website before the event.
All media relations, except for athletic media relations, must go through the Marketing and Communications department. If local media reaches out to you personally, please loop Marketing and Communications in on the conversation via communications@rockford.edu.
Rockford University has official social media accounts on the following platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. If you would like to submit something to be added to the social media calendar, please send all information to communications@rockford.edu at least four weeks in advance.
Clubs and departments are welcome to create their own social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok. Before creating a page you must reach out to Marketing and Communications at communications@rockford.edu for approval. The log-in information must be stored by Marketing and Communications to avoid the account being lost when students graduate or faculty/staff retire.
Want Reggie to personally visit your upcoming event? Email RU Marketing and Communications at communications@rockford.edu.
Merit is a media platform that helps RU publish online news about student accomplishments through students’ hometown newspapers and via social media. News can also be shared with students’ high schools and elected officials. RU proudly shares their good news on our Rockford University Merit page and our Student Achievements- Merit page.
Marketing & Communications
Rockford University
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Communications@rockford.edu
Per the Rockford University Brand Standards Guide, any marketing projects intended for off-campus audiences must be reviewed and approved by the Marketing department before distribution. Please note, the Marketing/Communications staff in this guide is now incorrect. You can find a list of our current team here.
Each year, the Rockford University community comes together for Day of Giving, a special 24-hour event dedicated to raising funds for the spaces that shape life on campus. This year’s Day of Giving focused on the Clark Arts Center, home to the arts programming—a...
Dear Members of the Rockford University Community, Due to the anticipated severe cold weather on Monday, March 16, 2026, Rockford University will be closed. All classes, including evening classes, will transition to virtual learning. Academic Instruction Faculty are...
While I never had the privilege of working directly with Sunil at Rockford University, he was always a presence on campus. Sunil believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and his vision and commitment played an important role in helping guide...
02/15/2017 9:55 am
Before 1957, Rockford College® did not participate in intercollegiate sports in the formal manner we do today where a mascot was necessary. As a women’s college, we competed against other schools informally, and games were most often posed against teams, which were divided by class from within the college.
In 1957, Banty Bantam was introduced as the mascot for Rockford Men’s College. Banty Bantam remained the mascot for the men’s athletic teams until 1962, when the Regents title was introduced for both men’s and women’s sports teams.
Prior to Reggie the Lion, we were simply known as the Regents from 1962-1983. Reggie became the mascot for the school in 1983-1984. Student Government members, Ellen Evans and Brian Guffey, hosted a competition in which ideas, submissions, and concepts were presented to a panel of Student Government members and selected administrators. From the submissions, a drawing of Reggie the Lion by Donna Addison, Class of 1984, was selected.
Over the years, Reggie has come and gone. But Reggie is back and better than ever. Reggie is excited about his regal return and wants to share the excitement and his Regent pride with alumni, students, faculty and staff, community members, and friends.
For inquiries about becoming the RU school mascot or booking requests please email RU Communications at communications@rockford.edu.
Reggie L. Regent
Rockford University’s #1 Fan
01/10/2017 2:52 pm
RU students are actively engaged and involved in a variety of high achieving scholastic, co-curricular and athletic activities. RU proudly shares their good news on our Rockford University Merit page. Merit is a media platform that helps RU publish online news about student accomplishments through students’ hometown newspapers and via social media. News can also be shared with students’ high schools and elected officials.
These achievements will appear on personalized Merit page that students are encouraged to claim and share! Pages can be customized by adding pictures and listing academic and extracurricular activities, including any experience gained at work or from being involved in the community. Students can also add any associations, memberships or additional honors earned outside of RU.
Having a collection of college achievements in one place is a benefit to students as they progress through their academic career. It serves as a great repository of valuable information that can be shared with potential employers and businesses, and by graduate school admissions representatives.
Faculty or staff members notify the University Communications office of an exceptional achievement or news (and if applicable, a list of those who have earned the accomplishment). The office will then write a brief article and awards a “badge,” which is published on the Merit profile. In some cases, the information is sent to one’s hometown newspaper as a news release. Learn more by watching this video.
Your Merit page helps people who make decisions about internships, grad school and jobs find the “good stuff” about you and get a better picture of what you’ve done and what you’ve been recognized for. Because your Merit page is updated by Wisconsin Lutheran College, it’s got credibility that a resume alone can’t match. And better yet, it’s updated for you! It’s like a resume or a LinkedIn profile that builds itself and that you don’t have to remember to update. The Office of Marketing and Communication writes and publishes the stories; you just have to share them!
Merit makes it easy for parents to share your accomplishments. With a simple “like” or “share” your parents can spread the word to coworkers, grandparents, neighbors, and friends.
Merit can help you succeed in the next stage of your life journey. Since Merit profiles are public and can be linked to your LinkedIn profile, it can help you stand out!
Students can claim their page using email, Facebook or Twitter. When a student clicks on the link to view their Merit page from an email notification or recently granted achievement, they will enter a claim workflow.
If a student opts to claim their Merit page by connecting through email, they will be asked to create a password, at least six characters in length, then click “Sign In” to connect to their Merit page.
If a student opts to claim their Merit page by connecting through Facebook, the student will need to click “Okay” when meritpages.com asks to access their public profile. A second popup will appear asking if the student would like meritpages.com to post to friends on their behalf. Students can click “Okay” or “Skip.”
If a student opts to claim their Merit page by connecting through Twitter, the student will be asked to sign in to their Twitter account and connect meritpages.com. Once a student clicks “Sign In,” their Merit page will be connected and they will be redirected to a page where they can customize their Merit page.
We believe that Merit is a beneficial tool for our students, but we also value your privacy. If for any reason you wish to opt-out of Merit, you can click the “opt-out” link on your claimed Merit page. Once a student opts out of Merit they will never receive another achievement notification.
Our Merit Contribution Form allows faculty and staff an opportunity to share student accomplishments on our Merit page. As a contributor, your goal is to share stories about the students and programs that you’re involved with at RU. These stories are vital to painting a picture of each student’s college career.
12/09/2016 11:35 am
