Winning this award is a big deal. It signals your campus is leading on belonging, community, and excellence. But beyond the press release, how do you really let people know? Here are a few fun (and effective) ideas.
Change Your Email Signature
Forget “Best regards.” End every email with: “P.S. Did I mention we’re a HEED Award-winning institution?”
Make It a Campus Spirit Day
Instead of “casual Friday,” declare every Wednesday “HEED Hoodie Day.” Bonus points if the hoodie is in your brand colors with “HEED-It Be Known” across the chest.
Commission a Mascot Rebrand
Your eagle/tiger/badger is fine, but have you considered giving them a HEED-themed cape? (Nothing says “community pride” like a bedazzled mascot.)
Subtly Brag at Conferences
During every Q&A session: “That’s a great question. As a HEED Award winner, here’s how we build belonging and excellence…”
Office Decor Upgrade
Replace the “Hang in there!” cat poster with a glossy HEED Award plaque wall. Visitors won’t leave without knowing.
Create a Campus Cocktail
At the next faculty mixer, serve “The HEED Spritz”—equal parts sparkling cider, club soda, and a generous splash of institutional pride.
Overachiever Move
Casually drop your HEED Award into unrelated conversations: “Yes, I’d like a grande oat latte. By the way, our university just won a HEED Award.”
Launch a #HEEDAndProud Social Campaign
Have students, staff, and faculty snap selfies with the award and post them with your official hashtag. Bonus: the marketing team will love you for giving them content that creates itself.
HEED on the Jumbotron
Promote the win at halftime during your next big game. Between the marching band and the kiss cam, nothing stirs campus community like a HEED shout-out.
Pop Quiz Time
Slip “Which national award did we just win?” into your next student orientation Kahoot. (Winner gets extra swag. Everyone gets the message.)
The Elevator Pitch (Literally)
Print mini HEED facts and stick them inside elevators across campus. A captive audience + 30 seconds = the perfect brag window.
Campus Swag Drop
Mugs, tote bags, lanyards—because nothing says “we’re serious about belonging and community” like giving away free stuff with your new favorite four-letter word: HEED.
Final Thought
Whether you go subtle (a LinkedIn post) or bold (a HEED cape for the mascot), remember: winning isn’t just about recognition—it’s about carrying the work of belonging, community, and excellence forward. But hey, a little bragging never hurts.
