SimpsonScarborough is pleased to announce the selection of the 2019 CASE SimpsonScarborough Scholars. Launched in honor of our late founding partner Christopher Simpson, the program supports the professional development of four promising higher education marketing communication practitioners every year. Each scholar receives CASE premier-level member benefits, access to customized research through CASE’s Library, attendance at the Summer Institute for Communications and Marketing, and more. This year’s CASE SimpsonScarborough Scholars are:
Carly Banks
Media Relations Officer
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
Roles and Responsibilities: As a member of NAU’s Communications office, Carly works with field professionals to develop high-quality and original written content for the University’s weekly newsletter. Carly also leads the distribution and development of executive communication campus-wide.
Nominated by: Heidi Toth, Assistant Director of Communications, who described Carly as a creative storyteller, excellent collaborator, and someone who is always looking to improve communications at NAU. “Carly collaborates with other departments around campus to best amplify NAU’s voice,” noted Toth. Toth attended the Summer Institute for Communications & Marketing in 2016 and is looking forward to Carly gaining the same valuable experience that she did.
Dawn Sugimoto
Internal Communications Specialist
Lethbridge College, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Roles and Responsibilities: Dawn is a significant contributor to the College’s internal communications by writing for its magazine, newsletter, and website. Dawn also contributes to communications planning, messaging, and analysis.
Nominated by: Paul Kingsmith, Senior Communications Specialist, who described Dawn as a vital part of the College’s small communications team. Although she has only been on board since January 2018, it is “hard to remember life without her,” Kingsmith says. Dawn’s “great initiative, creativity, and abilities” along with her “infectious positive attitude” have made her a great fit at Lethbridge. Kingsmith also attended the CASE Summer Institute in Communications & Marketing in the past, and he is excited for Dawn to have the same excellent experience.
Tom Mayhall Rastrelli
Director of Digital Communications
Willamette University, Salem, OR
Roles and Responsibilities: As Willamette’s Director of Digital Communications, Tom oversees institutional communications via digital channels including the university’s website, social media, internal bulletins, emails, event calendars, and newsletters.
Nominated by: Kristen Grainger, Acting Chief Communications Officer, who has found Tom to be a “highly-dedicated colleague who brings a great deal of creativity and positive energy to his role.” Grainger went on to note some of Tom’s accomplishments, which include improving audience and market engagement, internal coordination, and internal communication.
Zangi Miti
Assistant Director of Marketing Strategy
University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Roles and Responsibilities: Zangi is a critical driver in the planning and execution of each academic unit’s marketing strategy. She also increases the University’s public visibility by developing and facilitating relationships with key campus constituents.
Nominated by: Kim West, Chief Marketing Strategist, who noted Zangi’s commitment and curiosity about her job as something that has shined through in her short time with UMKC. West mentioned that Zangi has “demonstrated leadership skills and taken immediate responsibility for her role and her clients.” Although “the expectations of her job are big,” Zangi has lived up to the challenge. West has a “high degree of confidence in Zangi and her abilities” and is looking forward to seeing her training advance.
