KINGSTON, R.I., June 19, 2018 — The University of Rhode Island has won a top international award for a story featured in its quarterly magazine QuadAngles, from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

More than 675 institutions from across the United States and from countries as diverse as Australia, Hong Kong, Hungary and the United Kingdom took part in CASE’s 2018 Circle of Excellence awards, submitting more than 3,200 entries in nearly 100 categories.

The gold award went to “The Power of Literature,” an essay that ran in the Fall 2017 issue of QuadAngles by celebrated novelist Ann Hood, a 1978 graduate of URI. Judges explained that they gave it the top spot in the column and opinion writing category for being “a personal, moving, entertaining, and very human piece” that “promoted understanding of why being an English major makes a lot of sense.”

“In this very well-written text,” the judges added, “the author crafted a deeply personal and touching story about her education, career, life, and what the university has meant to her, all tied around the larger concepts of returning home again (or at least to school) and reassessing all your life decisions. This is literally the perfect story for a university alumni magazine.”

The judges’ comments also honored the drawings that ran with the essay, which were by illustrator and fine artist Anthony Russo, a 1974 graduate of URI. “The unique cover image and overall imagery, as well as the striking use of color, not only instantly captured our attention, but in combination with the author’s narrative, transported the reader to an earlier time underscored by self-discovery.”

“It was wonderful to be able to feature such talented graduates of the University. We’re hoping to bring readers more of the outstanding work from alumni and current members of the vibrant URI community,” said Pippa Jack, QuadAngles editor-in-chief.

It is the second year in a row that QuadAngles has won at the international competition. In 2017, the magazine won two bronze awards, one for the feature story “Life in Black and White” and the other for staff writing.