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Waubonsee Community College has received a 2025 Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at the council’s national conference in March in Washington, D.C.
The Paragon Bronze Award celebrates Waubonsee's marketing and communications team for its work on RISE 2030, a bold five-year strategic plan designed to meet the evolving needs of the community and the changing landscape of higher education. Grounded in the plan’s four pillars – Redefine our Relationship with the Community, Invest in Academic Innovation, Strengthen the Student Experience, and Enrich the Employee Experience – the campaign positioned RISE 2030 as a unifying brand narrative that reflects Waubonsee’s values and vision for the future.
“We are committed to ensuring every member of our district sees Waubonsee as a place where they can rise, as we lead with a vision that helps our students succeed and our communities thrive,” said Dr. Toya Webb, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff. “This recognition is a testament to the talent and dedication of a team committed to telling the Waubonsee story with purpose and impact.”
NCMPR’s Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design, strategy and communication at community and technical colleges. It's the only national competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marcom and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges.
This year’s awards drew 1,585 entries from 216 colleges across the country and were judged by 67 professionals from the marcom and public relations industry.
In addition to the college’s national win, Waubonsee Marketing and Communications Coordinator Jamie Feiza has been appointed to the NCMPR District 3 Executive Council as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator. In this national leadership role, Feiza will influence conference planning and help shape the organization’s DEI initiatives.
Feiza’s appointment follows her recent graduation from NCMPR’s Leadership Institute, a rigorous professional development program. Her journey included monthly virtual sessions, executive coaching, and two intensive residencies in Washington, D.C., culminating in a final capstone presentation at the national conference.
“Jamie’s appointment to the Executive Council is a testament to her growth as a leader in our field,” Dr. Webb added. “The expertise she brings back from the Leadership Institute directly strengthens Waubonsee’s visibility and engagement on a national stage.”
Through these achievements, Waubonsee continues to demonstrate its position as a leader in higher education communications, ensuring the college remains a vibrant and accessible resource for the community.
Above: Jamie Feiza, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, graduated from NCPMR’s premier Leadership Institute during council's national conference held on March 18–20, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
