Collectively, these 11 features have earned 13 awards for writing achievement from CASE, a national organization of peers in higher education.
The Guiding Light
- Grand Gold for Profile Feature Writing, 2020
- Platinum Award Honorable Mention for Best Article of the Year, 2020
Awarded for the story of Sam Anthony, tour guide and assistant to the National Archivist. Anthony has introduced countless visitors and dignitaries to the United States’ founding documents during his career while distilling what really matters in life — the lessons he’s learned during a 14-year battle with oral cancer.
Blue Genes
- Gold Medal for Best Article of the Year, 2003
- Bronze Medal, Periodical Staff Writing (one of five staff articles submitted as a group), for the Carolina Alumni Review, 2003
The story of how the color Carolina Blue came to be, the disagreement over which hue is true and its unusual resonance in Chapel Hill and elsewhere.
Converting the Shot
- Silver Award for Profile Feature Writing, 2019
- Platinum Award Honorable Mention for Best Article of the Year, 2020
The story of how UNC legend and retired WNBA player Charlotte Smith’s losses — on the court, in her marriage and in her family — helped shape her into a community leader and a winning head coach.
To Build A Cure
- Silver Medal for Research, Medicine & Science Writing, 2021
A story about the successes and failures of one cancer research center as it strives to bring experimental, cutting-edge CAR-T therapy to patients who have exhausted all other treatment options.
The Client She’ll Never Give Up On
- Silver Medal for Best Article of the Year, 2011
Chronicled Christine Mumma, the director of the N.C. Center on Actual Innocence, in her quest to exonerate wrongly incarcerated individuals.
How to Mend a Sole
- Platinum Award Special Merit for Best Article of the Year, 2019
A profile of MiracleFeet founder Chesca Colloredo-Mansfeld’s quest to eradicate clubfoot in developing countries — and honor her mother’s example.
First in Flight
- Special Merit Award for News and Feature Writing, 2001
Profile of elite Air Force fighter pilot Sheila Johnson’s fearless pursuit of the skies.
Educating Michie
- Grand Award for News and Feature Writing, 2002
- Bronze Medal, Periodical Staff Writing (one of five staff articles submitted as a group), for the Carolina Alumni Review, 2002
A profile of public school teacher and author Greg Michie’s work on Chicago’s South Side.
Group Awards
Bronze Medal, Periodical Staff Writing (one of five staff articles submitted by editors as a group), for the Carolina Alumni Review, 2002: “The Wait is Over,” a profile of NPR broadcaster Carl Kasell.
Award of Excellence, Overall Alumni Magazines (one of three articles submitted by editors as a group), for the Carolina Alumni Review, 2015: “Dean Smith 1931-2015.”
Bronze Medal, Periodical Staff Writing (one of five staff articles submitted by editors as a group), for the Carolina Alumni Review, 2003: “Breathing Lessons,” a look at cystic fibrosis research at UNC.
Beth McNichol 