Memorial University took home a top award on Thursday, May 25, at the fourth annual Pinnacle Awards Gala organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

The awards honour excellence in communications leadership and were held at the Johnson GEO Centre in St. John's.

The Communicator, Memorial's employee newsletter, received a Pinnacle Award in the Newsletters (print) category.

The Pinnacles Awards program recognizes communications professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador for an original communication program or project produced during the 2005 calendar year.

The Communicator won for “a publication designed, written and published to provide brief and timely information to target audiences while supporting an organization's objectives.”

The newsletter is published four times a year by the Division of Marketing and Communications and the Department of Human Resources.

Editor Jeff Green accepted the award at the gala event. He highlighted the efforts of those who contribute to the newsletter including graphic artists David Mercer and Helen Houston, as well as production co-ordinator Shannon Crotty, photographer Chris Hammond and managing editor Ivan Muzychka.

He also highlighted the efforts of former editor Tracey Mills. It was under her helm that the Communicator was revamped last year and re-designed.

The newsletter now has a greater focus on staff members, faculty and pensioners of Memorial. “We have a new look and feel and have a greater emphasis on the people of our university,” said Mr. Green.

“Everyone who works on this newsletter shares in this award. This is really a collaborative effort and is a great honour for the Communicator.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Muzychka, manager of news service with Marketing and Communications, accepted the IABC Volunteer of the Year award for his “demonstrated leadership and spirit in assisting the chapter to realize its goals.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) represents government, business, non-profit and agency groups from across this province. Since 1990, it has been providing its members with the tools needed to excel in the communications profession.