The Riverland communications department received a gold Paragon Award in the "Academic Catalog" category at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) national convention March 20. The award was for the 2006 Programs of Study. Gold, silver and bronze Paragon Awards are presented in various categories.

The Programs of Study reduced a 210-page catalog to 52 pages.  It was a product intended to drive potential students to the Riverland Web site for the most current and accurate academic information.  

The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community, junior, and technical colleges. NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community, technical and junior colleges. As one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR has more than 1,550 members from more than 600 colleges across the United States, Canada and Bahamas.

The Riverland Communications department includes James Douglass; director of communications, Sandra Roe, Web developer and Amy Wangen, public relations specialist. Most of the design work on the Programs of Study publication was completed by former Riverland graphic arts specialist Sarah Brakke. Brakke has since moved out of state.