As you are probably aware, the 2013 Awards of Excellence are right around the corner. We are currently accepting applications for Colleges and Universities to submit their leading edge initiatives to UEDA where members will vote on the winner. All nominations are due by May 31, 2013 so be sure to get all of your materials ready and register today.
UEDA asked some of last year’s Awards of Excellence winners about their experience with the Awards. We talked to Mike O’Donnell, Interim MEP Director/EDA Program Director at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, CIRAS, and here is what he had to say about his university’s 2012 submission to the Awards and some words of encouragement for organizations considering submitting an application this year.
1. What aspects of your project, do you feel, made the difference in being selected as a finalist for the UEDA Awards of Excellence?
A key aspect of our award that we feel put us over the top to be a finalist for the award was that our program focused on not only providing unique information to communities but also provided them with the tools to succeed after we left.
2. What is your advice to other universities who are considering entering this year’s UEDA Awards of Excellence?
Take a chance and apply. This is your opportunity to showcase the great things that you are doing.
3. What was your experience like at the UEDA Annual Summit and Awards Banquet when your university was a finalist?
It was a great chance to meet other university organizations and learn of other best practices around the country. There are a lot of great activities going on and it provides a chance to network and learn about new ways to help your region.
4. What kind of promotional and press coverage has your university received since being a winner of the 2012 Awards?
We received significant recognition within the university and in university news after winning the award.