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Three years after its launch in 2011, the Thomas Aquinas College website has received a prestigious Interactive Media Award for Outstanding Achievement. Created by the Interactive Media Council (IMC), the Interactive Media Awards exist “to recognize the highest standards of excellence in website design and development.”

Out of a possible 100 points in each category, IMC’s judges awarded the College’s site with scores of 98 for content, 100 for feature functionality, 91 for usability, and 96 for standards compliance — resulting in a total score of 475 out of 500 points, or 95 percent. “We are gratified to receive the IMC’s recognition because it confirms what we have long hoped and believed, namely, that our site is making it easier for people to learn about and interact with the College,” says Director of College Relations Anne S. Forsyth. “We view the site as a wonderful way to help share and spread the College’s mission of Catholic liberal education.”

Development of the current website began in 2010, thanks to the generosity of Germaine and James Wensley, then Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors, who donated the funds for its construction. Mrs. Forsyth then assembled a project team consisting of members of the Development, Admissions, Alumni, Business, Financial Aid, and Information Technology departments, which conducted a nationwide search of Internet professionals to design and build the site. Working closely with R. Scott Turicchi, president of j2 Global Communications and the Board’s current chairman, the committee ultimately opted for the services of a local firm, Wacky Puppy Design in Ojai, California.

“Wacky Puppy’s founder and creative director, Alison Bradley, did a fabulous job of creating a highly usable site that is in keeping with the College’s Catholic identity and classical style,” says Mrs. Forsyth. “And her associate, Andy Gilman, who holds a master of arts degree from St. John’s College, brought to the table a strong understanding of liberal education, what distinguishes the College’s approach to it, and how that could best be expressed online.” The two worked closely with the College and an international team of programmers to design and build the site, which Communications Manager Chris Weinkopf edits, and Network Administrator Patrick Nichols maintains.

“The result of this collective effort has been a truly beautiful, highly functional site that has done the College untold good in terms of attracting applicants, generating online contributions, and bolstering our communications,” says Mrs. Forsyth. “I am thrilled that Wacky Puppy is receiving the recognition it has justly earned.”

Since the website’s formal launch on July 21, 2011, traffic has increased by more than 500 percent and online giving has more than doubled. “I am delighted that the site has been so supportive to the College’s communications efforts,” says Ms. Bradley. “We work with many clients, but none approach Thomas Aquinas College’s dedication and commitment to communicating its ongoing mission. We may have created a nice launch pad, but the College’s team has provided the rocket fuel with heartfelt and thoughtful content.”