Steal this Idea is ACUI’s annual marketing and graphic design competition. Professionals and students from around the world compete for top honors while inspiring colleagues through their innovative marketing solutions and design.

2024 best in show: ASI’s Student Wellness Initiative,
california State university–Fullerton

Behind the guidance of its student leaders, Associated Students Inc. embarked on a journey to improve the overall wellness of the students of Cal State Fullerton through its Student Wellness Initiative. By way of an alternative consultation, CSUF students were surveyed, informed, and presented to in various forums, and a full-scale marketing effort was needed to reach as many of the 40,000 plus enrolled students over a brief 4–6-month period. Design was created for digital and print advertising, signage, promotional items, presentations, and more.

Submissions for Steal this Idea 2025 are now open!

Submission deadline is January 31, 2025.

Submission materials include a description of the project and the opportunity to upload examples of the work. Each entry must be listed in a designated category; entries can only be submitted into one category. A campus may submit as many entries into a given category as desired.

Categories
  • Brochures
  • Calendars/schedules
  • Cards/invitations
  • Digital campaign
  • Interior/wall art
  • Logo/brand identity
  • Miscellaneous
  • Multi-page publications
  • Posters
  • Promotional campaigns
  • Promotional products
  • Signs/banners
  • Social media campaign
  • T-shirts
  • Video and animation
  • Website

An entry fee is required for all entries and must be paid prior to judging. The fee will be $50 for the first entry from an institution, then $40 for each additional entry.

Note: The submission process is updated this year through our new membership platform—which means applications can autofill with your profile information. In order to submit an entry, you will need to create an account login, if you don’t already have one.

Important: Please become familiar with submission instructions available here before submitting. No more than two file uploads (PDF / 4 MB size limit per file) for each entry. If you intend to submit multiple entries, make sure all materials for each entry are ready in advance for a smooth submission process.

Submit

Steal this Idea is open to any professional or student working within college unions and student activities at an ACUI member institution. Submitted entries must have been created within the calendar year.

ACUI selects judges from across the United States to determine the first place through honorable mention in each category. Criteria includes concept, design, editorial content, effectiveness, and originality. Best in Show is chosen from the first place winners in all categories. Winning entries are featured in The Bulletin and published online. Best in Show is announced during The Honors at the Annual Conference.

2024 Steal this Idea Winners

2024 Steal this Idea Gallery
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of Michigan; Campus Visitors Guide; Jana Navratilova, David Young, Kassie Gray
  • Second: California State University, Los Angeles; USU Informational Brochure; Samantha Juarez
STUDENT         
  • First: California State University, Sacramento; Visiting Artists Brochure; Valentina Duong
  • Second: California State University, Los Angeles; APISRC Informational Brochure; Giselle Peredo
  • Third: Northwestern University; Northwestern’s Lavender Graduation Brochure; Eleni Tecos
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of Maryland; Women’s History Month 2023; Whitney Schepf, Ashley Rose Wells, Brandon Dula, Erica Simpkins, Hana Zewdie, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
  • Second: University of West Florida; University Commons Argo Gallery Gameroom Spring 2024 Schedule; Rachel Gibbs, Shelley Henseler, Olivia Ashcraft
STUDENT
  • First: California State University, Fullerton; Titan Outdoors Adventures (Spring 2023); Billy Dee, Leone Fernandez, Alyssa Fujiwara, Sang Nguyen, Alice Le, Kristen Ochoa, and Tran Tran
  • Second: University of North Texas; University Program Council Spring 2023 Events Calendar; Mir Ortiz, Julian Quiroz, Erika Sevilla
  • Third: Colorado State University; APIDA/SWANA Heritage Month Calendar; Jiuchen Dong
  • Honorable Mention: Winona State University; WSU Homecoming Calendar/Schedule; Stephanie Dasbach
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: Colorado State University; New Employee Orientation Welcome Kit; Laura Carter
  • Second: California State University, Sacramento; Summer Kickoff Flyer; Erin Umipeg
  • Third: California State University, Sacramento; Jeki Yoo Flyer; Kenji Enos
  • Honorable Mention: California State University, Sacramento; More Than Just Scribbles Flyer; Dryden Nagtalon
STUDENT         
  • First: California State University, Northridge; Matador Nights; Julissa Garcia, Tomas Gonzalez, Jennifer Sanchez
  • Second: California State University, Sacramento; Lab Rats Flyer; Mariia Vysotska
  • Third: California State University, Sacramento; The Seen Iranian Woman Flyer; Phong Tran
  • Honorable Mention: University of Maryland; “Placeholder” Art Exhibit for Stamp Gallery; Michael Chung Wu, Tara Youngborg, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of North Carolina Charlotte; Serial Bar; Denis Vargas
  • Second: University of Wisconsin Madison; Terrace Lemonade; Tamsin Ford, Max Homstad, Vicki Keegan
  • Third: University of Delaware; Finals Week Coffee; Kirk Smith
  • Honorable Mention: University of Michigan; Aux Marketing Campaign; John Kalogerako, Kate Bizer, Kassie Gray
STUDENT         
  • First: Colorado State University; That’s a Wrap!; Sydnie Scruggs
  • Second: Winona State University; WSU Homecoming Spirit Week Digital Campaign; Stephanie Dasbach
  • Third: South Dakota State University; Robotics Club Digital Promotion; Miranda Wangler
  • Honorable Mention: University of Houston; Pumpkin Palooza; Madison Galvez, University of Houston/CreationStation
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of California, San Diego; University Centers Event Reservations Desk Wall Graphic; Armando Abundis
  • Second: California State University, Los Angeles; U-SU Wings; Robert Gonzales
  • Third: University of Central Missouri; Union Bowling Center Masking Units; Sarah Chamberlin
  • Honorable Mention: University of California, Irvine; Emerald Hallway Acrylic Mural; Renee Tran, Krisha Konchadi, Diana Schombert, Brian Petyo, Amy Schulz
STUDENT         
  • First: University of Wisconsin Whitewater; UC Concourse Wall Decal; E Jeninga
  • Second: University of Cincinnati; Steps with Spirit – University of Cincinnati; Drew Hammond, Jason Thomas, Jill Siry, Cathy Barnes
  • Third: University of Maryland; Hoff Theater Feature Wall; Michael Chung Wu
  • Honorable Mention: California State University, Los Angeles; Cross Cultural Center Decals; P Dacayan
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of Wyoming; Pokes Pub and Gameroom Branding; Sabrina Kaufman, Constantine Pappas
  • Second: Oklahoma State University; The Station; Amanda Hamlett
  • Third: California State University, San Marcos; USU 10 Year Anniversary Branding/Logo; Anthony Ferrer, Nick Melanese, Samantha Wilson, Ricardo Ruiz Romero, Liliana Montijo, Lauryn Duncan
  • Honorable Mention: Ramapo College; Ramapo College Shuttle Bus Branding; Janelle Ferraro, Mark Gregorio, Eddie Seavers, Chris Romano
STUDENT
  • First: University of North Carolina Charlotte; Run the Ball Logo Design; Nancy Lor
  • Second: Winona State University; Channel the Flannel Homecoming Logo; Stephanie Dasbach
  • Third: California State University, Fullerton; Titan Cup Series; Felipe Reblora, Sang Nguyen
  • Honorable Mention: Rochester Institute of Technology; Grad Palooza Branding; Ivy Leong
PROFESSIONAL 
  • First: Purdue University; Student Life: LEAD Competencies Promotional Wheel Chart; Kayla Clark, Mel Gruver, Jesus Romero, Matt Vader, Jared West
  • Second: University of California, Irvine; Bingo Night Virtual and In-Person Play; Student Center Board of Advisors 2023, Amy Schulz, Joe Ayoub, Maggie Heimann, Brian Petyo, Diana Schombert, Renee Tran, Krisha Konchadi, Student Center Operations and AV Team
  • Third: University of California, Irvine; Desktop Anteater Ornament; Amy Schulz, Joe Ayoub, Randy Aceves, Alex Nava, Anthony Sanchez, Brian Petyo, Diana Schombert, Renee Tran
  • Honorable Mention: University of California, Irvine; TL;DR Company News Brief; Amy Schulz, Brian Petyo, Diana Schombert
STUDENT
  • First: California State University, Fullerton; ASI Movie Night Sticker Pack; Vyvyan Nguyen, Tran Tran, Lillian Van
  • Second: Purdue University; Student Life: UR Bike Rack Stickers; Colette Chidalek, Brayden Johnson
  • Third: Purdue University; Student Life: Origami Activity; Taylor Thomas
  • Honorable Mention: University of North Texas; National Album Day Volume 3; Julian Quiroz, Rishi Choudhary, Chelsea King, Macy McClish
PROFESSIONAL 
  • First: Central Washington University; 2023 Winter Hype Events Guide; Emma CrowE, Sella Brown, Madi McAuliffe, Emily David, Joanna Santana, Sammie Flippin, Evan Brown, Annie Tran, Jaclyn Perry, Kyan Bauer, Karly Heitman, Daniel Chiqui
  • Second: University of North Carolina; Student Affairs Annual Report; Benjamin Moten
  • Third: University of Delaware; Path To Eggcellence Booklet; Abby Phillips
  • Honorable Mention: Purdue University; Student Life: Perspectives Publication; Heather Beasley, Kayla Clark, Melissa Evens, Dr. Beth McCuskey, Jackie Perkins, Matt Vader
STUDENT
  • First: Oregon State University; Home is on the Horizon – Panhellenic Recruitment Book; Hope Stephens
  • Second: San Jose State University; Associated Students Annual Report 2022-2023; Annika Magbanua, Thanh Van Doan, Associated Students
  • Third: University of North Texas; UNT Fine Arts Series 119th Season; Erika Sevilla
  • Honorable Mention: University of Houston; HPC Look Book; Naisha Khimani
PROFESSIONAL
  • First: California State University, Sacramento; Line Dancing Poster; Erin Umipeg
  • Second: San Jose State University; A.S Open House BBQ; Dane Paul Andres, Associated Students
  • Third: California State University, Northridge; Black History Month; James Matzen, Tomas Gonzalez, Celine Campos
  • Honorable Mention: Binghamton University; Men of Color Summit Registration Poster; JR Beckford
STUDENT
  • First: Central Washington University; Opulence Fashion Show; Thea Batch
  • Second: University of North Carolina Charlotte; Popp Martin Student Union Art Gallery Posters; Nancy Lor
  • Third: San Jose State University; Swana Open Forum; Sena Atesoglu, Associated Students
  • Honorable Mention: University of Maryland; Terrapin Leadership Institute Poster Campaign; Sarah Hurkett, Myles Alexander, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: California State University, Fullerton; ASI’s Student Wellness Initiative; Mike Greenlee, Art Serna
  • Second: California State University Fullerton; Beyond the Conversation; Mike Greenlee
  • Third: San Jose State University; Taste of the Bay; Leila Dela Cruz
  • Honorable Mention: University of Maryland; Black History Month 2023; Bree Caudill, Micaylah Elizabeth Jones, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
STUDENT
  • First: California State University, Fullerton; Spring Concert 2023; Lillian Van, Vyvyan Nguyen
  • Second: San Francisco State University; Board of Directors Elections; Jessa Laboissonniere
  • Third: California State University, Sacramento; Mardi Gras Celebration Campaign; Tommy Streb
  • Honorable Mention: University of Maryland; Pride/LGBTQ+ History Month Campaign; Cassiel Arcilla, Freddie Dufresne, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of Delaware; Egg Promotional Products; Abby Phillips
  • Second: California State University, Dominguez Hills; ToroQuest Merch; Victor Gonzalez
  • Third: California State University, Northridge; Dream Center Stickers; James Matzen, Kyle Hufnagel, Rayyan Bahazeq
  • Honorable Mention: University of Michigan; Moji Campaign; Kate Bizer
STUDENT  
  • First: California State University, Northridge; USU Tote Bag; Uziel Rueda, Malahat Zhobin
  • Second: University of Maryland; All Niter Candyland Enamel Pins Keepsake Collectibles; Grace Lee, Laura Hood
  • Third: California State University, Los Angeles; Embrace the Possibilities Bag; P Dacayan
  • Honorable Mention: California State University, Los Angeles; CLSRC Sweatshirt; P Dacayan
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: California State University, Sacramento; Anees Banner; Dryden Nagtalon
  • Second: University of California, San Diego; It’s Summertime Campaign; Armando Abundis, Michelle Escudero, Cristy Kim, Shruthi Venkatesh, Promit Sinha, Josh Aruguelles, Regine Delossantos, Rina Mandeville
  • Third: University of Delaware; Mental Health Walk Yard Signs; Ivan Avila
  • Honorable Mention: University of Maryland; “Welcome to Stamp” Construction Banner; Whitney Schepf, Eva Quintos Tennant, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
STUDENT
  • First: University of Maryland; Stamp Patio Fence Banners; Claudia Aguilar, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
  • Second: Oregon State University; ASOSU International Student Lounge Sign; Elise Steingraber
  • Third: California State University, Sacramento; Good Luck on Finals Banner; Jay Wright
  • Honorable Mention: California State University, Sacramento; Winterize Your Garden Banner; JC Sanchez
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of Wyoming; Violence Prevention Love Month 2023; Gabriel Lattimer
  • Second: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Lemonade Stand Pop-Up Event; Courtney Meyer, Ava Jovaag
  • Third: University of Maryland; Stamp Study Zone Fall 2023; Whitney Schepf, Laura Hood, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
  • Honorable Mention: Colorado State University; Heart of Campus Social Media Campaign; Ryan Haynes, Sydnie Scruggs
STUDENT         
  • First: California State University, Northridge; Oasis Trailer; Gabbie Puzon, Malahat Zhobin, Jon Belmont, Rafael De Souza Bueno, Steven Wein
  • Second: University of Texas at Dallas; Mean Girls Movie Screening Social Media Campaign; Krista Pescalia
  • Third: Indiana University Bloomington; IMU’s Haunted History Instagram Reels; Mackenzie Lee, Quinn Smith
  • Honorable Mention: University of California, San Diego; What’s Happening this Week @ University Centers; Cristy Kim, Amber Chia, Promit Sinha, Shruthi Venkatesh, Shauna Huang, Rudri Thaker, Tam Do, Vanessa Ramirez Elizalde, Joshua Arguelles, Regine Delossantos, Rina Mandeville, Megan Lee
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: San Jose State University; Arch of Dignity 2023; Dane Paul Andres, Associated Students
  • Second: University of North Carolina Charlotte; Tee Trade Up Shirt; Maxwell Hofmann
  • Third: California State University, Sacramento; WELLcome Back Shirt; Kenji Enos
  • Honorable Mention: California State University, Los Angeles; U-SU Mission Statement Shirt; Sam Juarez
STUDENT
  • First: Central Washington University; CWU Hype staff shirt; Annie Tran
  • Second: Kansas State University; K-State eSports Dairy Jersey; Riley Scott
  • Third: University of Central Missouri; Elliott Student Union Staff Shirt; Garron Blair
  • Honorable Mention: Rochester Institute of Technology; Fallfest T-shirt; Tia Wilson
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: University of Wyoming; Ragtime Cowboy Joe Marble Animation; Ahmad Ansari, Catcher Pannell, Sabrina Kaufman
  • Second: University of Maryland; Come Fly with Us: Terp Adventures Take Flight at STAMP; Eva Quintos Tennant, Lee Hayes Gillenwater, Donna Y. Lim, Christopher Lee Hegwood, Whitney Schepf, Adele H. Stamp Student Union
  • Third: California State University, San Marcos; USU Fall Vibes 2023; Anthony Ferrer, Nick Melanese
  • Honorable Mention: Texas Tech University; 2023 Homecoming Short Promo Video; Gahye Lee
STUDENT
  • First: University of North Texas; Five Nights at Scrappy’s; Ainsley Beers
  • Second: San Jose State University; SU Info Center – Lost and Found Reel; Bobby Arquero
  • Third: California State University, Fullerton; Beyond the Conversation: Ke Huy Quan; Natalia Medina, Colin Vail, Hayley Garcia, Mauricio Nuñez, Colin Vail
  • Honorable Mention: California State University, San Marcos; CSUSM USU Swag Promo; Nick Melanese
PROFESSIONAL  
  • First: Kansas State University; 3e Website Rebrand; Jessica Maxwell
  • Second: California State University, Los Angeles; Revamped and Enhanced: U-SU Website; John Yasis
  • Third: California State University, Northridge; USU Annual Report ’21-’22; James Matzen, Steven Wein, Jon Belmont, Brianna Walden, Reema Haque