The University Marketing and Communications' web team is celebrating a recent win for the design of Michigan Tech's 125th anniversary site, launched on January 1st.

The site was honored with a silver design award for navigation and structure by W3, a web design, video and marketing competition open to all agencies, companies and organizations, regardless of their size.

"It's pretty cool as a department to be on par with companies like Disney and Pixar," said Brandy Tichonoff, director of new media.

The award-winning 125th site invites alumni to submit memories of their time at Michigan Tech, with content organized into categories like local living and life after Tech. By mixing fun stories with an intuitive and clean design, Tichonoff says the site really paid off.

"We wanted to design something to celebrate our 125th anniversary and to encourage our alumni to interact with Michigan Tech in a new way," said Tichonoff. "Visually, it's a big stretch compared to many of the other projects we've done."

Tichonoff added that the site's success is a collaborative effort among Michigan Tech staff: Brenda Rudiger, director of alumni relations; Alex Hughes, web programmer; Scott Shannon, web developer/designer; and Dennis Walikainen, senior editor.

"It’s an honor to receive this award," said Bonnie Gorman, executive director of University Marketing and Communications. "It recognizes a lot of hard work and a wonderful creative effort."

To see the award-winning design, or to submit your own memories, visit www.mtu.edu/125 .