The Student Union Marketing Department was recently recognized for its hard work with numerous awards from the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). The department was awarded 11 ACUI Steal This Idea Awards.

Steal this Idea is the ACUl’s annual marketing and graphic design competition. Professionals and students from around the world compete for top honors while inspiring colleagues through their innovative marketing solutions and design. ACUI selects judges from across the United States to determine placings in each category. Criteria include concept, design, editorial content, effectiveness and originality.

This year, 274 entries were received across 19 categories. Student Union Marketing placed in 11 of the 16 categories they entered, with four first-place finishes, four third-place finishes, and three honorable mentions. This is a record showing for the department. This year’s awards recognize the team spirit within the Student Union Marketing Department, as seven staff members received recognition for their work.

“Steal This Idea is a wonderful program that provides both our student and full-time staff members an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Debbie Shotwell, Student Union marketing assistant director. “I’m immensely proud of our team and am thrilled that both our peers and professionals recognized us on an international platform.”

Below is a list of this year’s recipients:

• Brochures (Professional Category) – First Place, Where Cowboys Dine by Amanda Hamlett
• Calendars/Schedules (Professional Category) – First Place, SUAB Fall 2025 by Kailey Bookout
• Cards/Invitations (Professional Category) – Third Place, Student Union 75th Anniversary by Debbie Shotwell, Kailey Bookout
• Cards/Invitations (Student Category) – Third Place, Summer Send Off by Victoria Ling
• Logo/Brand Identity (Professional Category) - Third Place, Healthy Dining by Amanda Hamlett
• Posters (Professional Category) – Third Place, SUAB Night by Kailey Bookout
• Posters (Student Category) – Honorable Mention, Murder Mystery by Victoria Ling
• Signs/Banners (Professional Category) – First Place, GameDay at the Union Backdrop by Kailey Bookout
• Social Media Campaigns (Professional Category) – Honorable Mention, The Life of a Squirrel by Jenna Murray
• Social Media Campaigns (Student Category) – Honorable Mention, OSU Throwback by Alison Vaughn
• T-Shirts (Professional) – First Place, 75th Anniversary by Kailey Bookout

The Student Union Marketing Department is home to six full-time employees and three student employees. Its goal is to be a valuable resource and partner to Student Union departments and university entities through thoughtful, collaborative, results-oriented advertising, graphic design work, digital applications and other marketing support. Team members work throughout the year to help stakeholders be successful participants in the learning experience on the Oklahoma State University campus.

“This award is a reminder of how fun and impactful our work can be. In the Student Union, we get to create, experiment and connect with students every day and having the opportunity like this gives us the chance to share the work we’re most proud of on a bigger scale,” said Amanda Hamlett, Student Union marketing coordinator. “Being recognized for something you genuinely love creating, especially for a university you care so deeply about, is a pretty incredible feeling.”

Founded in 1914, ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activity professionals from more than 525 schools in 31 countries. Its members work on urban and rural campuses, in two-year and four-year institutions, and at large and small schools. For more information about ACUI, visit acui.org.