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.
2026 Best in Show: FallFest 2025 Social Media Campaign,
Rochester Institute of Technology
This campaign marketed Rochester Institute of Technology’s major event weekend, FallFest. The event flyers and other marketing materials were posted to Instagram (@ritcab). A brand identity for this campaign was developed to achieve cohesion.
The submission period for 2026 is closed.
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. An entry fee is required for all entries and must be paid prior to judging. The fee will be $60 for the first entry from an institution, then $50 for each additional entry.
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.
2026 Steal this Idea Winners
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: Oklahoma State University; Where Cowboys Dine; Amanda Hamlett
- Second Place: University of North Carolina–Charlotte; SAFE Impact; Denis Vargas
- Third Place: Indiana University–Bloomington; Find Your Fit; Damen Morris
STUDENT
- First Place: University of Vermont; Week of Welcome; Paul Rosenthal
- Second Place: University of North Texas; Fine Arts Series 121st Season; McKenna Qualls
- Third Place: University of California–San Diego; First Friday Gamecard; Micaela Stone, Armando Abundis, Mellicent “Melli” Cabanes
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: Oklahoma State University; SUAB Fall 2025; Kailey Bookout
- Second Place: University of Illinois–Chicago; Calendar 2026; Bansri Thakka
STUDENT
- First Place: University of North Texas; UPC Fall 2025 Events; Felicia Tshimanga, Jazmine Garcia, Makayla Sanchez, McKenna Qualls, Lela Adcox
- Second Place: University of Vermont; Fright Week; Owen Atkinson
- Third Place: California State University–Los Angeles; U-SU Desktop Calendar: Powered by Purpose; Eliza Cavestany
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Fullerton; Drop-In Art Workshops; Tiffany Le
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: California State University–Northridge; The Valera NEST: Soar Above, Nest Below; James Matzen
- Second Place: California State University–Sacramento; Earth Day Celebration; Dryden Nagtalon
- Third Place: Oklahoma State University; Student Union 75th Anniversary; Debbie Shotwell, Kailey Bookout
- Honorable Mention: University of Iowa; Iowa Memorial Union Centennial Celebration; Erin Fitzgerald, Meghan Kincade, Jen Jentz
STUDENT
- First Place: California State University–Sacramento; Latin Jazz Ensemble; Baylee Wolfe
- Second Place: California State University–Sacramento; Red Voodoo; Melody Lugo
- Third Place: Oklahoma State University; Summer Send Off; Victoria Ling
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Los Angeles; Black Graduation 2025; Devin Garciacano
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: San Francisco State University; Gator Groceries & Food Pantry Fundraising; Lauren Hohls, Alissa Maggard, Chrissa Lavapie, Kayleigh Pejoro, Flor Urbina, Miranda Town, Mari Ramos
- Second Place: Indiana University–Bloomington; Culture Centers; Cheryl Paul, Eric Rudd
- Third Place: Indiana University–Bloomington; Wellness House; Anna Erdosy, Naomi Grossman, Cheryl Paul
- Honorable Mention: Colorado State University; CSU Bookstore/Computer Store Merger; Laura Carter, Jill Jones
STUDENT
- First Place: Rochester Institute of Technology; SpringFest; Mary Clements, Remy Wilkins, Naveedah Adegoke, Gina Lee, Alexis Mildren, Emily Chen, Ava Moran, Kas Gaviola, Alyssa Ly, Tom Catalano
- Second Place: University of Texas–Dallas; SUAABtober; Muskaan Shariff, Faith Kim
- Third Place: University of Vermont; BORED Awards; Chelse Fernandez
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Los Angeles; Greek Week; Steven Phan
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: University of Wisconsin–Madison; The Sett Directional Murals; Megan Breene, Tamsin Ford, Jessica Seeland, Ashley Alloway
- Second Place: California State University–Monterey Bay; Otter Welcome Center Graphics; Tristan Ruiz, Karina Rios Alvarez
- Third Place: Washington State University; Ground Floor Lounge; Sarah Page, Cadence Moffitt
- Honorable Mention: University of California–San Diego; The Gameroom @ Price Center Wall Graphics; Armando Abundis
STUDENT
- First Place: University of Wisconsin–Stout; Changemaker Series; Kiara Malloy-Salgado
- Second Place: Chapman University; Welcome to Chapman; Estephanie Barrerra, Jamie Suyemoto, Victoria Bello
- Third Place: Wayne State University; Game Room Refresh; Ken Ito, Alora Frontera, Heather Marks
- Honorable Mention: University of Wisconsin–Whitewater; Homecoming Wall Decal; Kaelen Smith
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: University of Wisconsin–Madison; Naan Stop South Brand; Megan Breene, Tamsin Ford, Ashley Alloway, Jessica Seeland, Madeleine Carr, Shauna Breneman
- Second Place: California State University–Sacramento; The Pop-Up Shop; Dryden Nagtalon
- Third Place: Oklahoma State University; Healthy Dining; Amanda Hamlett
- Honorable Mention: Case Western Reserve University; Thwing Center’s 45th Anniversary; JohnPatrick O’Hagan
STUDENT
- First Place: University of North Texas; Market Days Logo; Vincent Boyd
- Second Place: Kansas State University; Wildcat 91.9 Branding Kit; Riley Scott
- Third Place: California State University–Los Angeles; Wingspan Leadership Program; Arody Valle
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Fullerton; Student Recreation Center Annual Branding; Vi Nguyen
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: University of North Texas; Luckymon Cards; Felicia Tshimanga, Jazmine Garcia, Teegan Pegues, Meghan Siens, McKenna Qualls, Aiden Savetman, Noah Steely, Cole Bramlett, Lee Mclain, Mason Lenk, Lela Adcox, Naz King, Aaliyah Shittu, Laney Reed, Giovanna Triguis
- Second Place: University of California–Irvine; Winter Wonderland Immersive Event Experience; Amy Schulz, Joe Ayoub, Laura Depin, Erin Robertson, Greg Ryan, Alex Nava, Jerome Chuang, Johnny Hsu, Kyle Aldrich
- Third Place: University of California–Irvine; Augmented Reality Commencement Photo Opportunity; Amy Schulz, Joe Ayoub, Kendi Rosas Goss, Brian Petyo, Diana Schombert, Candice Li, Lillyan Han, Deanza Andriansyah
- Honorable Mention: Colorado State University; LSC Map and Wayfinding System with Brochure; Leif Blessing
STUDENT
- First Place: University of Vermont; Mystery Art Print Vending Machine; Chelsea Fernandez, Owen Atkinson, Paul Rosenthal, Cat Spagnola
- Second Place: Oregon State University; Oregon State Memorial 3D Model; Erin Congleton
- Third Place: California State University–Fullerton; Children’s Center Character Development; Tiffany Le
- Honorable Mention: University of Wisconsin–Madison; Wisconsin Union Directorate Informative Display; Anna Bitonti
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: University of North Carolina–Charlotte; Student Affairs Annual Report; Max Hofmann, Denis Varga
- Second Place: University of Wisconsin–Whitewater; UC Annual Report; Alexa Nelson
- Third Place: Colorado State University; LSC Visitor’s Guide; Laura Carter, Jill Jones
- Honorable Mention: University of Iowa; Division of Student Life Impact Report; Caitlin Dyer, Erin Fitzgerald, Teagan Perrin
STUDENT
- First Place: Rochester Institute of Technology; 2024–2025 Year in Review; Remy Wilkins, Mary Clements
- Second Place: California State University–Los Angeles; Students with Dependents Handbook; Arody Valle
- Third Place: James Madison University; 2024–2025 Impact Report; Kaylee Childs
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: California State University–Sacramento; Element Brass Band; Erin Umipeg
- Second Place: University of Maryland–College Park; Latine Heritage Month 2025: Juntos Bajo el Sol y la Luna; Chisom Maduka, Alex Mullen
- Third Place: Oklahoma State University; SUAB Night; Kailey Bookout
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Sacramento; Paul Stewart; Juancarlos Sanchez
STUDENT
- First Place: California State University–Sacramento; 5th Street Gallos; Luara Martinez
- Second Place: University of North Texas; Artist Book Competition & Symposium Event; Lela Adcox, Giovanna Triguis
- Third Place: Minnesota State University–Mankato; Where’s Stomper; Janessa Roufs
- Honorable Mention: Oklahoma State University; Murder Mystery; Victoria Ling
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: University of Wisconsin–Madison; The Terrace Campaign; Max Homstad, Tamsin Ford, Jessica Seeland, Megan Breene, Kay Sakiya, Shauna Breneman, Madeleine Carr, Kira Lee, Nina Goyette, Emily Swanson, Olivia Bratzke, Erika Stevens, Chloe Ewald, Anna Bitonti
- Second Place: University of California–San Diego; First Friday @ Your Student Union; Mellicent “Melli” Cabanes, Evan Wu, Leira Rullen, Andy Metcalf, Regine Delosantos, Jenessa Gomez, Mandy Hur, Micaela Stone, Kia Neri, Armando Abundis, Amanda Marples
- Third Place: University of Illinois–Chicago; APIDAAM25; Megan William
- Honorable Mention: Washington State University; CougFest; Sarah Page, Cadi Moffitt, Libby Melcher, Hannah Hutchison, Perla Cacho
STUDENT
- First Place: University of Vermont; Program Board Recruitment; Chelsea Fernandez
- Second Place: Rochester Institute of Technology; Munson’s Last Spin; Remy Wilkins, Alyssa Ly, Troy Ramiscal, Mary Clements, Naveedah Adegoke, Gina Lee, Tom Catalano, Kas Gaviola, Emily Chen, Ava Moran
- Third Place: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; “SUA is”; Lydia Weber, Ava Jovaag, Kyle Xiong, Dilan Parekh, Gwen Kleve, Sally Adams, Stella Schutz, Sophia Neumann, Wilma Agustianto, Elle Smarzinski, Li Yan Tan
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Los Angeles; Communi-Tea Series; Thanh Thuan Nguyen
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: California State University–Northridge; Undocugrad Bookmarks; James Matzen
- Second Place: University of California–San Diego; First Friday Hat; Mellicent “Melli” Cabanes, Armando Abundis, Micaela Stone
- Third Place: University of Iowa; Hope Box; Erin Fitzgerald, Jack Guerin, Josh Brdicko
- Honorable Mention: University of Maryland; Terps After Dark Enamel Pins; Whitney Schepf, Laura Hood, Eva Quintos Tennant, Donna Lim
STUDENT
- First Place: University of California–San Diego; Student Union Tote Bag; Kristen Lee, Amané Mockridge
- Second Place: San Francisco State University; AS Project Connect Custom Gator Sticker Series; Shruthi Krishnaraj
- Third Place: Rochester Institute of Technology; FreezeFest 2025; Remy Wilkins, Ava Moran, Kas Gaviola, Emily Chen, Tom Catalano, Alyssa Ly, Alexis Mildren
- Honorable Mention: University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point; BINGO Tote Bags; Montanna Heinz
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: Oklahoma State University; GameDay at the Union Backdrop; Kailey Bookout
- Second Place: California State University–Northridge; USU Event Flags; James Matzen
- Third Place: University of California–Irvine; Pardon Our Mess: Wayfinding with Purpose During Construction; Amy Schulz, Joe Ayoub, Daryl Han, Kendi Rosas-Goss, Brian Petyo, Tony Gonzalez, Diana Schombert, Lillyan Han, Deanza Andriansyah, Candice Li, Lisa Nakamura
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Sacramento; Yoga Night; Juancarlos Sanchez
STUDENT
- First Place: Colorado State University; East Entrance Banners; Lauren Harris
- Second Place: Minnesota State University–Mankato; Vision Panels; Janessa Roufs, Anton Domeier
- Third Place: University of California–San Diego; Where Summer Stays in Session; Kaitlyn Pham, Amber Chia, Elisa Kim, Amané Mockridge, Evan Wu, Leira Rullen, Regine Delosantos, Jenessa Gomez, Addison Wu, Tobin Caldwell, Kristen Lee
- Honorable Mention: University of Wisconsin–Stout; Waste Management Signage; Braeden Lange
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: Colorado State University; Bookstore Social Media Strategy; Candice Peters
- Second Place: University of North Carolina–Charlotte; Recess: Self Care Edition With Goat Yoga; Benjamin Moten, Teagan Welch
- Third Place: Indiana University–Bloomington; Welcome Week Reels; Alaina Doran, Giovani Malcolm, Adreanna Pulliam
- Honorable Mention: Oklahoma State University; The Life of a Squirrel; Jenna Murray
STUDENT
- First Place: Rochester Institute of Technology; FallFest 2025; Mary Clements, Naveedah Adegoke, Gina Lee, Kelsey Luke, Tyler Dinn, Remy Wilkins, Maya Ferrante, Ryann Browne, Kas Gaviola
- Second Place: Colorado State University; The LSC Will Always Be Your “Home”; Ady Rasbach, Caleigh Glassmaker, Kylee Reini
- Third Place: Colorado State University; Cultural Resource Center; Lory Student Center Marketing Student Graphic Design Team
- Honorable Mention: Oklahoma State University; OSU Throwback; Alison Vaughn
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: Oklahoma State University; 75th Anniversary; Kailey Bookout
- Second Place: University of California–San Diego; First Friday; Mellicent “Melli” Cabanes, Micaela Stone, Armando Abundis
- Third Place: University of California–San Diego; 2025/2026 Staff Shirt; Armando Abundis
- Honorable Mention: University of North Carolina–Charlotte; HOME; Max Hofmann
STUDENT
- First Place: Virginia Commonwealth University; The Commons; Abilgail Gleeson
- Second Place: California State University–Northridge; Intramural Sports Winner; Tanya Bernardino
- Third Place: Colorado State University; Ramskeller; Josh Lewis-Martin
- Honorable Mention: California State University–Northridge; Matador Nights; Juliamarie Gutierrez
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: University of California–San Diego; Mystery Shopper Program; Micaela Stone, Armando Abundis, Amanda Marples, Cindy Penning, Michelle Escudero, Amber Chia, Imogen Yang, Alexander “Alex” Atienza
- Second Place: University of Wisconsin–Madison; Summer by the Lake; Kay Sakiya, Tony Xiao
- Third Place: University of Illinois–Chicago; Flames At The Shore; Abel Juarez, Nathan Nager, Misha Ardichvili, Adam Biba, Wayne Odle
- Honorable Mention: University of Wisconsin–Madison; 2025 Year End; Kay Sakiya, Ben Klepzig, Madeleine Carr, Shauna Breneman, Tamsin Ford, Jessica Seeland
STUDENT
- First Place: Indiana University–Bloomington; IU Welcome Week Hype; Jacob Erb
- Second Place: California State University–Fullerton; Spring Concert; Madison Dalton, Matthew Manalo, Colin Vail, Bella Alegria, Van Moua, Amber Reese, Nat Jimenez
- Third Place: California State University–Sacramento; Student Purchase Awards Call for Artists; Tyler Lee
- Honorable Mention: University of Wisconsin–Whitewater; Building Operations is Hiring!; Eydie Furnett
PROFESSIONAL
- First Place: University of Iowa; Impact Report; Ben Lewis, Brandon Ewoldt, Teagan Perrin
- Second Place: University of Wisconsin–Whitewater; University Center Website; Jenny Fisco, Kevin Behringer
- Third Place: California State University–Northridge; Annual Report 23–24; James Matzen
- Honorable Mention: Stony Brook University; Campus Life Centers Website; Gabriella Czerw
Student
- First Place: Colorado State University; SharePoint Rebranding; Natalie Cattany