[Photo] The Public Information Team (L-R): Dr. Kristen Gonzales; daughter, Christi Middlesworth, Alex Karvounis, Gabe Waite, Dr. France Magtira-Cruz, and Esther Delgado.
The MiraCosta College Office of Advancement has once again been recognized for its excellence in communications, marketing, and public relations—this time earning top honors at both the 2025 California Community Colleges Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) conference and the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) Paragon Awards.
At the 2025 CCPRO Awards, MiraCosta College’s team took home an impressive five awards, including four Gold Awards and one Bronze
In addition to the team’s success, Dr. Sunny Cooke, MiraCosta College Superintendent/President, received the Promoter Award, which honors a community college leader who champions the importance of strategic marketing and communication. This recognition reflects Dr. Cooke’s unwavering support of the college’s advancement efforts and dedication to elevating the MiraCosta brand.
Also recognized was Dr. Kristen Gonzales Huyck, director of Public Information, with the distinguished All-Pro Award, presented to one outstanding community college communicator each year. This award honors Dr. Gonzales’s leadership, impact, and service to the statewide CCPRO network and the broader communications field.
“These awards reflect the power of storytelling, design, and strategy in creating meaningful connections with our community,” said Dr. Gonzales. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the support of our campus leadership in helping us bring these efforts to life.”
National Recognition at NCMPR Paragon Awards
MiraCosta College also stood out nationally, receiving Gold in the Special Event or Fundraising Campaign category for the “Future Is” at the 2025 NCMPR Paragon Awards, the premier national competition for two-year college marketing and communications.
The Community Leaders’ Breakfast: Report to the Region is MiraCosta College’s signature annual event, bringing together over 300 local leaders, stakeholders, and community members to celebrate the College’s achievements, share its vision for the future, and highlight its impact on the region. Held on October 20, 2023, the event centered on “Future Is,” emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and foresight in education and workforce development. The gathering provided a dynamic platform to engage influential voices, showcase innovation, and reinforce MiraCosta College's commitment to shaping the future of its community.
The NCMPR Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication among community and technical colleges across the U.S. and Canada. MiraCosta’s winning submission celebrated its recent signature events' creativity and community impact, reinforcing the college’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
“To be recognized on both state and national levels is a powerful affirmation of the work we’re doing to amplify MiraCosta’s story,” added Dr. Gonzales. “It’s an exciting time for our institution, and these accolades fuel what’s next.”
With these latest achievements, the MiraCosta College Office of Advancement continues to set the bar for impactful communication in higher education. The team remains committed to building awareness, trust, and pride in the MiraCosta College mission through dynamic storytelling, bold design, and strategic outreach.
About CCPRO and NCMPR
CCPRO (California Community Colleges Public Relations Organization) is a statewide professional network that supports excellence in communications and marketing across California’s community college system.
NCMPR (National Council for Marketing & Public Relations) is the only organization that exclusively honors excellence in communication among two-year colleges nationwide through its highly competitive Paragon Awards.
